Dan Williams (Pennsylvania politician)

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]

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

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]

Source: PA House Democratic Caucus[10]

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

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

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

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]