Candidate for
US Representative; District 3; Democratic Party

Born and raised on a farm in rural Erie County, Tom grew up in a strong union family, learning early on the value of hard work, compassion and community service. His family has deep roots in the labor movement and boasts five generations of Iron Workers. In 1922, his father chartered the Iron Workers' Local 348 in Erie and served as President of the Erie Central Labor Union Body for nearly three decades. Tom's mother, now 86, operated the well-known Lake Pleasant Snack Bar where fisherman could buy food and supplies and share fishing stories.

After graduating from Seneca High School in Green Township in 1978, Tom attended The Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Labor Studies. Following graduation, Tom enrolled in law school at California Western School of Law in San Diego.

Career and Commitment to Community

A practicing attorney for 20 years, Tom has spent his career fighting for the rights of ordinary people against the powerful. He is now part owner of the Erie law firm of Nichols & Myers.

Tom has a long history of community involvement, currently serving as the Board Chair for the YMCA of Greater Erie. He also held leadership positions with the American Lung Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania and the Erie County Federation of Fraternal and Social Organizations. An avid sportsman, Tom has been a hunter and fisherman his entire life and is a member of Trout Unlimited and Ducks Unlimited, both strong conservation-minded organizations. In addition to his community service, Tom is actively involved in the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, where he served as a Deacon for three years and Moderator of the Board of Deacons for one year.

Tom and his wife, Kendall, share a deep commitment to community service. Kendall, a registered nurse, graduated from the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1995 and has since served at both Hamot Medical Center and Saint Vincent Health Center where she worked primarily in post-surgical intensive and cardiac care. Tom and Kendall currently live in Millcreek Township with their two daughters, Madison and Makenzie.