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Dan K. Williams

Dan K. Williams (born September 23, 1956) is an American politician and pastor. A Democrat, he has represented the 74th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2018.

Early life and education

Williams was born on September 23, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,[1] to Willa and Wallace Williams.[2] Williams grew up in West Philadelphia.[3] He graduated from Overbrook High School. In 1992, Williams earned a bachelor of science degree in management from Geneva College.[1]

Pastoral career

Starting in the 1990s, Williams served as senior pastor at New Life Christ Fellowship Church in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.[1][4]Williams earned his Master of Divinity and his Doctor of Ministry from Biblical Theological Seminary in 2006 and 2010, respectively.[1] He would later become assistant professor of practical theology at the seminary, and become the first African American on its Board of Trustees.[4]

Political career

Williams' campaign logo

Following the retirement of Pennsylvania State Representative Harry Lewis Jr., in 2018, Williams ran to fill the now open 74th District seat. A lifelong Democrat, Williams emerged victorious in a three-way primary election,[5] and later defeated Republican Amber Little-Turner in the general election.[6] Williams won reelection in 2020 and 2022, besting Republican challenger Dale Hensel both times.[7][8]

Williams speaking at the signing ceremony for his Act 59 of 2020.

During his first term, Williams wrote a bill focused on updating police training requirements in regards to de-escalation techniques, appropriate use of force, and communicating with individuals of varying backgrounds. The bill was in response to calls for police reform following the murder of George Floyd,[2] and passed unanimously in both the Pennsylvania State House and Pennsylvania Senate.[9] On July 14, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf signed Williams' bill into law as Act 59 of 2020.[10][11]

Personal life

Williams and his wife, Baleria Alston, have three children.[12] He resides in Sadsbury Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania.[3]

Electoral history

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Dan K. Williams". Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Samuel, Jen (September 3, 2021). "Criminal justice reform beginning to make a difference, thanks to Chester County lawmaker". The Delaware County Daily Times. MediaNews Group. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Rettew, Bill (August 19, 2021). "Williams, Hensel square off for House seat in 74th District". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Dan Williams receives endorsements from Sen. Andy Dinniman, labor, others". Daily Local News. May 7, 2018. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved July 2, 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ Dunbar, Ginger (May 16, 2018). "Williams, Little-Turner secure their party nominations in the 74th District". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group, Inc. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. ^ a b "SUMMARY REPORT OFFICIAL RESULTS GENERAL ELECTION NOV 6, 2018 CHESTER COUNTY, PA". Chester County, Pennsylvania. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Official General Election November 3, 2020 - SW Results". Chester County, Pennsylvania Election Results. June 2, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  8. ^ a b "Official General Election November 8, 2022 - SW Results". Chester County, Pennsylvania Election Results. June 2, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  9. ^ "Police accountability legislation advances with Shusterman's support". The Mercury. MediaNews Group. September 25, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  10. ^ Sheehan, Brian (July 14, 2020). "Governor Wolf signs police reform bills into law, says work still to be done in PA". CBS 21. Sinclair, Inc. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  11. ^ "Bill Information - Regular Session 2019-2020 House Bill 1910". Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  12. ^ "Rep. Dan Williams's Biography". PA House Democrats. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  13. ^ "SUMMARY REPORT OFFICIAL RESULTS PRIMARY ELECTION, MAY 15, 2018 CHESTER COUNTY, PA". Chester County, Pennsylvania. Retrieved July 4, 2023.

External links