Jennifer O'Mara
Jennifer O’Mara (born November 12, 1989) is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 165th Legislative District. The district includes parts of Springfield Township, Marple Township, Radnor Township and the borough of Morton.[1]
Jennifer O'Mara | |
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Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 165th district | |
Assumed office January 1, 2019 | |
Preceded by | Alex Charlton |
Personal details | |
Born | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | November 12, 1989
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse(s) | Bradford Bitting (m. 2017) |
Residence | Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania |
Alma mater | West Chester University University of Pennsylvania |
Occupation | Educator, Nonprofit Administrator |
Website | Official Website Campaign Website |
Early life and education
The oldest of three children, O’Mara was born in Southwest Philadelphia. She moved to Delaware County with her mother and siblings after her father, a Philadelphia firefighter, died by gun suicide. O’Mara cites the importance of her father's pension and public program such as CHIP in supporting her family while she was a teenager. She graduated from the Interboro High School in 2007 and became the first in her family to attend college.[2] She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a certificate in Secondary Education from West Chester University in 2011. She received a Master’s degree in English literature from the University of Pennsylvania in 2017.[3]
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
2018
On November 19, 2017 , O'Mara launched her campaign for the 165th District.[4] The district had never elected a Democratic representative before, and had previously been represented by one-term Republican Alex Charlton.
O'Mara was unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Charlton defeated primary challenger Regina Scheerer with 65.72% of the Republican vote.[5] O'Mara upset Charlton in the 2018 general election, becoming the first Democrat and first woman to represent the district.[6]
2020
O'Mara ran for re-election in 2020.[7] She was unopposed in the Democratic primary and faced Republican Robert Smythe Jr. in the general election. O'Mara retained her seat by defeating Smythe with 51.51% of the vote.[8]
Results
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Jennifer O'Mara | 16,627 | 50.81% | |
Republican | Alex Charlton (incumbent) | 16,096 | 49.19% | |
Total votes | 32,723 | 100.00% | ||
Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Jennifer O'Mara (incumbent) | 21,529 | 51.51% | |
Republican | Robert Smythe Jr | 20,222 | 48.38% | |
Write-in | 43 | 0.10% | ||
Total votes | 41,794 | 100.00% | ||
Democratic hold |
Tenure
O'Mara was sworn in on January 1, 2019, and was elected first vice-chair for the Democratic Caucus's Southeast delegation.[11]
Committee assignments
- Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness
- Transportation
- Aging and Older Adult Services
References
- Carey, Kathleen. "Springfield woman plans run against Charlton in 165th". Retrieved 2018-10-25.
- Bunch, Will. "Changing Trump's America starts with house-to-house combat to change Harrisburg, Jennifer O'Mara". Retrieved 2018-10-25.
- Curtis, Lucy. "Penn grad Jennifer O'Mara joins record number of women running for office in 2018". Retrieved 2018-10-25.
- Carey, Kathleen (19 November 2017). "Springfield woman plans run against Charlton in 165th". Delaware County News Network. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
- "2018 Primary Election Returns". Pennsylvania Department of State. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
- Carey, Kathleen (7 November 2018). "Dem O'Mara edges incumbent Charlton in 165th". Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
- Bennett, Max (2020-03-10). "Jennifer O'Mara Seeking To Keep 165th District Seat". Springfield, PA Patch. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
- Rose, Alex (2020-11-04). "UPDATE: Results posted in state House races". The Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
- "2018 General Election Results". Pennsylvania Department of State. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
- "2020 Election Results". Delaware County, Pennsylvania. November 24, 2020. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
- "O'Mara elected to serve in key leadership roles on powerful PA House delegation". PA House Democrats. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
External links
Pennsylvania House of Representatives | ||
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Preceded by Alex Charlton |
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 165th district 2019–present |
Incumbent |