Dan K. Williams
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 | |
---|---|
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 74th district | |
Assumed office January 1, 2019 | |
Preceded by | Harry Lewis, Jr. |
Personal details | |
Born | February 8, 1956 |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse(s) | Baleria ( m. 1980) |
Residence | Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania |
Alma mater | Geneva College |
Occupation | Senior pastor |
Website | www |
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]
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-ins | 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-ins | 17 | 0.07% | ||
Total votes | 24,120 | 100.00% | ||
Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
Tenure
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.[7]
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.[7]
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.[7]
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.[7]
Infrastructure
Williams supports extending the entry ramp to the Route 30 bypass East from Route 82 North by 1,000 feet or more.[7]
Taxation
Williams supports a severance tax on natural gas extractors, but not increasing property taxes.[7]
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.[7]
References
- "Williams announces bid for 74th District". The Coatesville Times. January 29, 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
- "Lewis to Retire State House Seat". PoliticsPA. December 4, 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
- "Dan Williams receives endorsements from Sen. Andy Dinniman, labor leaders, others". Daily Local News. May 7, 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
- Dunbar, Ginger (May 16, 2018). "Williams, Little-Turner secure their party nominations in the 74th District". Daily Local News. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
- "2018 General Election Results". Chester County Voter Services. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
- "Rep. Williams lands three influential committee assignments". PA House Democratic Caucus. January 28, 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
- ISSUES
External links
Pennsylvania House of Representatives | ||
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Preceded by Harry Lewis, Jr. |
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 74th district 2019–present |
Succeeded by incumbent |