Dan K. Williams
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 | |
Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Harry Lewis, Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 8, 1956 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Baleria (m. 1980) |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence | Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania |
| Alma mater | Geneva College |
| Occupation | Senior pastor |
| Website | Legislative Website |
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.
Pennsylvania House of Representatives[]
Elections[]
2018 election[]
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[]
Williams ran for re-election in 2020. He defeated Republican Dale Hensel with 64.38% of the vote2.[6]
Results[]
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Dan Williams (incumbent) | 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 , 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[]
- ^ "Williams announces bid for 74th District". The Coatesville Times. Brandywine New Media, LLC. January 29, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
- ^ "Lewis to Retire State House Seat". PoliticsPA. December 4, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
- ^ "Dan Williams receives endorsements from Sen. Andy Dinniman, labor leaders, others". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group, Inc. May 7, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
- ^ Dunbar, Ginger (May 16, 2018). "Williams, Little-Turner secure their party nominations in the 74th District". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group, Inc. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
- ^ "2018 General Election Results". Chester County Voter Services. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
- ^ "2020 Presidential Election Results in Chester County". My Chester County. November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
- ^ Williams, Dan (June 24, 2020). "Williams' police reform bill passes House". pahouse.com. Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ "Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus members take over House session to demand action on police reform bills". fox43.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ Sheehan, Brian (July 14, 2020). "Governor Wolf signs police reform bills into law, says work still to be done in PA". WHP. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ Williams, Rep Dan (January 11, 2021). "Williams announces committee assignments for second term". pahouse.com. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Priorities". Re-elect Dan Williams for State Representative. February 8, 2019. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
External links[]
- Official Web Site
- Campaign Web Site
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Living people
- People from Chester County, Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Democrats
- Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- African-American state legislators in Pennsylvania
- 21st-century American politicians
- 1956 births
- 21st-century African-American people
- 20th-century African-American people