Tim Hennessey

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
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 26th district
In office
January 5, 1993[1] – November 30, 2022
Preceded byEugene G. Saloom
Succeeded byPaul Friel
Personal details
Born (1947-11-04) November 4, 1947
Pottstown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseCarol Hennessey
Children3
Residence(s)North Coventry Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Alma materSaint Joseph's University (BS)
Villanova University (JD)
WebsitePennsylvania State Representative Tim Hennessey

Early life & education

Hennessey 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

Hennessey 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

In 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

2020 presidential election

Following 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] Hennessey additionally affirmed Biden's victory in the election.[10]

Abortion

With regard to abortion bans, Hennessey supports exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.[11]

Immigration

In 2021, Hennessey expressed support for allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license or similar equivalent.[12]

Minimum wage

Despite 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

Hennessey supports amending the Pennsylvania Constitution to exempt seniors from paying school taxes.[4]

Personal life

Hennessey resides in North Coventry Township, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Carol, have three children.[3]

References
  1. "SESSION OF 1993 - 177TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - No. 1" (PDF). Legislative Journal. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 1993-01-05.
  2. "Timothy F. Hennessey". Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  3. "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)
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Brandt, Evan (November 9, 2022). "Democrat Friel ousts 15-term incumbent state Rep. Hennessey". The Mercury. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  7. "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)
  8. 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.
  9. 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)
  10. Brandt, Evan (August 21, 2021). "State Rep. Hennessey does not regret opposing Pa. electors". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  11. Brandt, Evan (October 13, 2022). "Candidates for PA House 26th District answer questions on the issues". The Mercury. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  12. 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.
  13. Brandt, Evan (August 19, 2021). "Hennessey, Friel exchange views in 26th Dist. candidates' forum". Daily Local News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
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