Rachel Wallace

Wallace was born and raised in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Pottsville Area High School.[1] The Republican Herald describes her as a ninth-generation Pennsylvanian and the daughter of a nurse and a pastor.[1][5]

Wallace began her career in 2010 working for U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, who represented a former 6th District covering parts of Berks and Schuylkill counties.[4][1] She worked at the U.S. State Department from 2014 to 2017 and on the staff of a U.S. Senator from 2018 to 2019.[4] From October 2021 to May 2023 she was chief of staff of the White House Office of Management and Budget.[4][1]

Wallace says she moved back to southern Schuylkill County after her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, to be closer to family that has lived in Berks and Schuylkill counties for 10 generations.[3][5][1] She lives there with her husband and their dog and describes herself as a social member of her local fire company and gun club.[5] She announced her candidacy in late September 2025 and advanced from the May 19, 2026 Democratic primary; former Rep. Holden endorsed her.[3][4] During the campaign, she said she was running on lowering the cost of living and protecting access to health care.[3][4][1] She received 38.5% of the vote to Dan Meuser's 61.5%, according to unofficial results reported by NBC News.[2]