Juan Tafolla

Juan L. Tafolla (born January 4, 2006) is an American Politician serving as a member of the Kennett Square Borough Council in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. A member of the Democratic Party Elected in 2025 at age 19, he became the youngest person in the borough’s history to win a council seat and set a record for the most votes ever received by a local candidate. He was sworn in at the age of 20, becoming the youngest elected official currently in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Early Life and Education

Juan L. Tafolla was born in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., and raised in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, where his family settled when he was an infant. Both of his parents emigrated from Mexico, and his upbringing in a culturally diverse community influenced his interest in public service.

Tafolla graduated from Kennett High School in 2024. After high school, he enrolled at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he studied political science, Pre-law and Criminal justice while also working part-time; reports note he has worked as a legal assistant and did digital navigation in community outreach programs.

Early Engagement in Public Service

As a high school student, Tafolla became involved with local governance. In July 2023, he was appointed a junior member of the Kennett Square Borough Council in a non-voting role. During this period, he attended council meetings, engaged with residents, and represented Kennett officials in regional and international contexts.

While still in his senior year of high school, Tafolla undertook a six-month trip to Toluca, Mexico (his family’s ancestral city) in late 2023 with approval from borough leadership. There, he met local officials to explore cultural, economic, and municipal cooperation opportunities — including preliminary discussions about a potential sister-city relationship and community exchange projects. Upon his return in 2024, he presented his findings to the Kennett Consolidated School District Board.

Political Career 2025 Campaign

In 2025, Tafolla ran as a Democratic candidate for the Kennett Square Borough Council at-large seat. At the time of his campaign, he was described as the youngest candidate running for public office in both Kennett Square and Chester County. His campaign platform emphasized:

Rejoining the Fire and EMS Commission to ensure residents pay for and have representation in first-responder governance.

Establishing stronger, transparent and ethical local government, including the creation of an ethics oversight commission.

Addressing infrastructure needs like sewer, road improvements, and responsible development of the NVF site.

Encouraging inter-municipal collaboration to support economic growth while preserving Kennett Square’s character.

Promoting projects and grants that support community diversity and inclusion.

Tafolla and his campaign team reportedly knocked on more than 2,000 doors in Kennett Square between September and November 2025 to engage voters directly. He was endorsed by PA State Senator John Kane, Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, Chester County Democratic Committee, Kennett Area Democrats and Democratic Municipal officials.

2025 Election and Tenure

On November 4, 2025, Tafolla was elected to the Kennett Square Borough Council with 1,071 votes, the highest total for any council candidate in borough history. He and fellow Democrat Hilda Matos became the first pair of Hispanic officials elected to the council in the same cycle. Tafolla assumed office in January 2026 at age 20, establishing a historic milestone in local politics. Tafolla serves on the Borough Council Committees Personal (Chair), Public Safety, Finance and Comprehensive Plan Committee.

Personal Life

Tafolla resides in Kennett Square with his family. He credits his family’s support and his experiences growing up in a diverse community for shaping his passion for public service. He has described his political ambitions as rooted in a desire “to give back to the town that gave us opportunities.” He has also shared advice for young people interested in politics, emphasizing hard work, perseverance, and belief in oneself.