Democrat Janet Diaz was the first Latina city councilwoman to be elected twice in Lancaster. She unsuccessfully ran for 49th Pennsylvania House District and the Pennsylvania State Senate, despite garnering endorsements from Barack Obama, Joe Biden and other high profile Democrats.

She accused the Democratic leaders in Lancaster of turning against her and not supporting her in the elections because she refused to rubber stamp all of their policies. She was called to resign after what her colleagues called a pattern of xenophobic behavior. Yet she persevered and served 2 full terms on Lancaster city council from January 2018 through 2025. She recently ran for mayor but lost to Jaime Arroyo.

Born in The Bronx, she moved to Lancaster when she was 9 years of age, where her family experienced homelessness and poverty. Diaz overcame these obstacles to establish a successful career in healthcare, where she worked for 18 years.

Diaz attended Thomson Institute and Lancaster Bible College. She has served as a member of the PADems State Party, the Farmers Union, and the PADems Latino Caucus. 

She is currently writing a tell-all book about her experience in politics.