Aerion Abney facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aerion Abney
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 19th district
Incumbent
Assumed office April 26, 2022
Preceded by	Jake Wheatley
Personal details
Born	Aerion Andrew Abney (1988-05-23) May 23, 1988 (age 37) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Tamara
Children	2
Education	University of Pittsburgh (BA, MSW)
Website	House website

Aerion Andrew Abney is a politician from the United States. He has been a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2022. He belongs to the Democratic Party. He represents the 19th district, which includes parts of Pittsburgh.

Before he was elected, Mr. Abney worked as a social worker. He was also a community activist. He tried to become a state representative two times before winning. When the previous representative, Jake Wheatley, left his job in 2022, Mr. Abney won a special election to take his place.

Early Life and Education

Aerion Abney grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He went to Cardinal O'Hara High School. After high school, he attended the University of Pittsburgh. He earned a degree in communications in 2010. Later, in 2012, he received a master's degree in social work. This degree was from the university's School of Social Work.

Serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

How He Was Elected

First Attempts to Win (2016-2020)

Mr. Abney first tried to win the 19th district seat in 2016. He decided not to run against the person who already held the job, Jake Wheatley.

In 2018, he ran against Mr. Wheatley. Mr. Abney said that Mr. Wheatley was not doing enough. He wanted more affordable homes built, especially in the Hill District. This area is a historic African-American neighborhood in Pittsburgh. Mr. Abney lost this election by a small number of votes.

He ran against Mr. Wheatley again in 2020. Mr. Abney promised to work harder for people in the Hill District. He pointed out that life quality in the area was getting worse. For example, the neighborhood had no grocery store since 2018. Mr. Abney lost this election too.

Winning the Special Election (2022)

In 2022, many people thought Mr. Abney would run against Mr. Wheatley again. But Mr. Wheatley left his job on January 31, 2022. He became chief of staff for Ed Gainey, the new mayor of Pittsburgh.

A special election was held to find a new representative. On February 10, Mr. Abney won the Democratic nomination. He tied with another candidate, Rev. Glenn Grayson. They both had 55 votes. So, they drew lots to decide who would get the nomination. Mr. Abney won the drawing.

Mr. Abney ran unopposed in the special general election on April 5. He received most of the votes. After his victory, he was sworn into the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He finished Mr. Wheatley's term.

The Regular Election (2022)

In the regular Democratic primary election on May 17, 2022, Mr. Abney faced Rev. Glenn Grayson again. This election was for the next two-year term.

What Committees He Works On

For the 2025-2026 Session, Mr. Abney is part of several important groups called committees. These committees study different topics and help make laws.

• Appropriations: This committee deals with how the state spends money.
  • He is the Chair of the Subcommittee on Health & Human Services. This means he leads the part of the committee that focuses on health and people's well-being.
• Education: This committee works on school-related issues.
  • He is the Chair of the Subcommittee on Career & Technical Education. This part focuses on job training and skills for students.
• Finance: This committee handles money matters and taxes.
• Housing & Community Development: This group works on housing and improving neighborhoods.
• Insurance: This committee looks at rules for insurance.

Personal Life

Mr. Abney lives in the Manchester neighborhood of Pittsburgh. He lives there with his wife, Tamara Abney. They have two sons.