Dan Williams (Pennsylvania politician)

Dan K. Williams (born February 1, 1956) is an American politician. He was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2018, representing the 74th district in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Dan Williams
Williams speaks at the bill signing ceremony for his Act 59 of 2020.
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 74th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2019 (2019-01-01)
Preceded byHarry Lewis, Jr.
Personal details
Born (1956-02-08) February 8, 1956
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)
Baleria
​
(m. 1980)​
Children3
ResidenceSadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Alma materGeneva College
OccupationSenior pastor
WebsiteLegislative Website

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

2018 election
Main article: Pennsylvania House of Representatives election, 2018 § Results by district

On January 30, 2018, Williams launched his campaign for the 74th District.[1] The district had previously been represented by three-term Republican Harry Lewis, who had announced he was not running for reelection.[2] Williams faced a three-way primary against Downingtown mayor and 2014 and 2016 nominee Josh Maxwell, and Villanova University professor Frank Pryor. Williams was endorsed by State Senator Andy Dinniman and numerous labor leaders.[3]

On May 15, Williams won the primary with 43.5% share of the votes cast, and went on to face Republican Amber Little-Turner.[4] Williams defeated Little-Turner in the general election with 61.36% of the vote.[5]

2020 election
Main article: 2020 Pennsylvania House of Representatives election § Results by district

Williams ran for re-election in 2020. He defeated Republican Dale Hensel with 64.38% of the vote.[6]

Results
Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 74, Democratic primary, 2018
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dan Williams 1,786 43.50%
Democratic Josh Maxwell 1,506 36.68%
Democratic Frank Pryor 775 18.87%
Write-in 39 0.95%
Total votes 4,106 100.00%
Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 74, 2018
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dan Williams 14,826 61.47%
Republican Amber Little-Turner 9,294 38.53%
Write-in 17 0.07%
Total votes 24,120 100.00%
Democratic gain from Republican
Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 74, 2020
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dan Williams 21,547 64.30%
Republican Dale Hensel 11,912 35.55%
Write-in 50 0.15%
Total votes 33,509 100.00%
Democratic hold

Tenure

During his first term, Williams wrote a bill focused on updating police training in several areas, including recognizing and reporting child abuse; de-escalation and harm reduction techniques; interacting with individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds; and appropriate use of force.[7] On May 8, 2020, following the George Floyd protests, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus took over the House chamber to demand action on police reforms, including Williams's House Bill 1910.[8] The bill passed through both chambers unanimously and was signed into law as Act 59 by Governor Tom Wolf on July 14. These changes were the largest updates to PA policing in 40 years.[9]

Committee assignments, 2021-2022

Source: PA House Democratic Caucus[10]

  • Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness, Democratic Secretary
  • Urban Affairs, Democratic Secretary
  • Aging & Older Adult Services
  • Human Services

Political positions

War on Drugs

Williams has described the War on Drugs as changing to the "Opioid Epidemic when the demographic changed" and stated that addicts need treatment and not incarceration. He believes those in our criminal justice system need more treatment options within the system. He believes insurance companies must be held responsible to cover addictions and other behavioral health issues.[11]

Education

Williams supports giving teachers a living wage. He believes students should have the best learning environment available to them, along with reasonable class sizes. He supports creating a setting that fosters equitable education, brings up standardized test scores, and creates a safer learning environment for Coatesville Area School District students.[11]

Equality

Williams supports state sanctioned marriage between two people, regardless of gender. He also supports equality when it comes to employment and access to healthcare.[11]

Gun control

Williams supports eliminating straw purchase and gun show loopholes, increasing the purchase age in order to buy a gun to 21, improving Pennsylvania's background check system, and protections in cases of domestic violence and PFAs. He also believes in the rights provided for in the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.[11]

Infrastructure

Williams supports extending the entry ramp to the Route 30 bypass East from Route 82 North by 1,000 feet or more.[11]

Taxation

Williams supports a severance tax on natural gas extractors, but not increasing property taxes.[11]

Reproductive rights

Williams is pro-choice and supports state funding for Planned Parenthood and other organizations that provide women's reproductive healthcare, family planning and other health and community services.[11]

References
  1. "Williams announces bid for 74th District". The Coatesville Times. Brandywine New Media, LLC. January 29, 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  2. "Lewis to Retire State House Seat". PoliticsPA. December 4, 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  3. "Dan Williams receives endorsements from Sen. Andy Dinniman, labor leaders, others". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group, Inc. May 7, 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  4. Dunbar, Ginger (May 16, 2018). "Williams, Little-Turner secure their party nominations in the 74th District". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group, Inc. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  5. "2018 General Election Results". Chester County Voter Services. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  6. "2020 Presidential Election Results in Chester County". My Chester County. November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
  7. Williams, Dan (2020-06-24). "Williams' police reform bill passes House". pahouse.com. Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  8. "Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus members take over House session to demand action on police reform bills". fox43.com. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  9. Sheehan, Brian (2020-07-14). "Governor Wolf signs police reform bills into law, says work still to be done in PA". WHP. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  10. Williams, Rep Dan (2021-01-11). "Williams announces committee assignments for second term". pahouse.com. Retrieved 2021-01-19.
  11. "Priorities". Re-elect Dan Williams for State Representative. 2019-02-08. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
Political offices
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Preceded by
Harry Lewis, Jr.		 Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 74th district
2019–present		 Incumbent
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