A professional chef from New Kensington who had an early career as a Pittsburgh comedian has turned his sights to politics.

Davon Magwood, 38, is running for the state House’s 55th District seat after having won the Democratic write-in in the April primary.

He earned a spot on the November ballot against Republican incumbent Jill Cooper to represent the 55th District, which includes Murrysville and New Kensington.

Despite having been known earlier for his stand-up routine, Magwood said he always has had political aspirations.

“I worked as a comedian a dozen years ago,” he said. “I was a boy then, and now I’m a man whose heart is telling him to try to make a difference in the world.”

Mainly, Magwood said, he is tired of division. He believes both parties can work together for revitalization.

“I’m frustrated by what’s happening in my town,” he said. “New Ken is 30 minutes from the city, but you feel like you’re out in the middle of nowhere.

“Most people live within reach of three Dollar Generals but can’t get to a grocery store for fresh food.

“I don’t think that progressing the commonwealth has to be partisan.”

Magwood lamented the closing of the Shop ’n Save in Central City Plaza in 2020.

While Giant Eagle, Aldi and Golden Dawn operate in the sections near the Tarentum Bridge, residents who live below the railroad tracks have nowhere to shop for fruit, meat or other fresh goods, he said.

“We’re not having those conversations, and that’s why I’m running,” he said.

Cooper said she welcomes Magwood to the race. Her focus will be knocking on doors to hear ideas and concerns, she said.

“I want them to know that I care and will be here to help them here at home and in Harrisburg,” Cooper said.

Cooper said her record is one of refusing perks, pension and automatic pay raises — and opposing tax increases.

Magwood, formerly of Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville section, was raised by a single mother. He said he learned the value of hard work at an early age.

He retired his comedy act years ago and for 16 years has been a professionally trained chef, working in several city restaurants.

He credits a high school teacher during his years at the former Schenley High School in the Pittsburgh Public School District for recognizing his passion for government.

“That opened roads for me,” Magwood said.

He started a youth government program at Schenley, which continues today at Obama Academy. Magwood also was selected the 59th Youth Governor of Pa., a student engagement program of the YMCA.

“You get to go to Harrisburg and spend the weekend, learning and seeing what political life is like,” he said.

As a young adult, Magwood was active in city elections, campaigning for Bill Peduto’s early council races and subsequent runs for mayor.

His community efforts haven’t let up. Magwood spearheads community initiatives, such as bookbag collections and Easter basket drives for mothers in homeless shelters, and he has served as judge of elections in New Kensington.

Heading into summer, Magwood said he will continue knocking on doors to meet constituents and learn their concerns. He plans to have coffee talks and town halls to introduce himself. They will be announced on his website at magwoodforpa.com.

“Division is frustrating,” Magwood said. “I want conversations about the future of our district. We all want to be able to afford rent and afford our lives.

“We all want our kids to go to good schools. We all want access to fresh food, good streets and safe neighborhoods. We just disagree on how to get there.”

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