Timothy F. Hennessey (born November 4, 1947) is an American attorney and politician who was a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 26th District from 1993 to 2022.
Tim Hennessey | |
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| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 26th district | |
| In office January 5, 1993[1] – November 30, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Eugene G. Saloom |
| Succeeded by | Paul Friel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 4, 1947 Pottstown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Carol Hennessey |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence(s) | North Coventry Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Saint Joseph's University (BS) Villanova University (JD) |
| Website | Pennsylvania State Representative Tim Hennessey |
Early life and education
editHennessey was born on November 4, 1947, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from St. Pius X High School in 1965. In 1969, Hennessey earned a bachelor of science degree from St. Joseph’s University. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Villanova University School of Law in 1972.[2]
Law career
editHennessey was a trial attorney for the Public Defenders’ Office in Chester County, Pennsylvania from 1973 to 1992.[3] He was also the solicitor of North Coventry Township for 15 years.[4]
Political career
editIn 1992, Hennessey was elected as a Republican to represent the 26th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was reelected 14 times.[2] Following redistricting in advance of the 2022 elections, Hennessey's now-redrawn district had a slight Democratic lean.[5] He would later lose to Democrat Paul Friel in that year's general election.[6]
In 2019, Hennessey was made chairman of the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee.[7] He previously chaired the Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, starting in 2007.[8]
Political positions
edit2020 presidential election
editFollowing the 2020 United States presidential election, Hennessey was one of 64 Pennsylvania Republican state legislators to sign a letter asking the state's Congressmen to reject the certification of Pennsylvania's electoral votes.[9] According to Hennessey, he signed the letter after objecting to changes made to state election procedures with respect to mail-in ballots. During the certification of the electoral votes, supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol Building in a bid to prevent the certification of Trump's loss to Joe Biden. Hennessey condemned the violence at the Capitol that day,[10] but denied any connection between the calls to reject certification and the storming. He also said he did not regret signing the letter,[8] but still affirmed Biden's victory in the election.[10]
Abortion
editWith regard to abortion bans, Hennessey supports exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.[11]
Immigration
editIn 2021, Hennessey expressed support for allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license or similar equivalent.[12]
Minimum wage
editDespite supporting a minimum wage increase, in 2020, Hennessey came out against Governor Tom Wolf's minimum wage plan that according to Hennessey would "essentially double it in a few years."[13]
Taxation
editHennessey supports amending the Pennsylvania Constitution to exempt seniors from paying school taxes.[4]
Personal life
editHennessey resides in North Coventry Township, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Carol, have three children.[3]
References
edit- ^ "SESSION OF 1993 - 177TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - No. 1" (PDF). Legislative Journal. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 1993-01-05.
- ^ a b "Timothy F. Hennessey". Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ a b "About Me". PA State Rep. Tim Hennessey. Archived from the original on March 12, 2019. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b Brandt, Evan (August 21, 2021). "Friel looks to end Hennessey's 26th Dist. incumbency at 13 terms". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ Siwy, Bruce; Ullery, Chris (September 8, 2022). "Here are the 4 House seats that Pa. Democrats believe they can flip in November". Erie Times-News. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ Brandt, Evan (November 9, 2022). "Democrat Friel ousts 15-term incumbent state Rep. Hennessey". The Mercury. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Hennessey named chairman of transportation committee". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group. January 7, 2019. Archived from the original on November 7, 2019. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b Brandt, Evan (March 12, 2022). "State Rep. Hennessey announces run for 16th term in 26th House Dist". The Mercury. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
- ^ Brandt, Evan (December 15, 2020). "Rep. Hennessey among legislators seeking invalidation of Pa. electors". The Mercury. MediaNews Group. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b Brandt, Evan (August 21, 2021). "State Rep. Hennessey does not regret opposing Pa. electors". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ Brandt, Evan (October 13, 2022). "Candidates for PA House 26th District answer questions on the issues". The Mercury. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ Caruso, Stephen (August 11, 2021). "House panel hears 'controversial' bill that would grant drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ Brandt, Evan (August 19, 2021). "Hennessey, Friel exchange views in 26th Dist. candidates' forum". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 9 July 2023.