Aerion Abney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aerion Abney
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| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 19th district |
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| Assumed office April 26, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Jake Wheatley |
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| Born |
Aerion Andrew Abney
May 23, 1988 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Tamara |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Pittsburgh (BA, MSW) |
| Website | House website |
Aerion Andrew Abney is an American politician who serves in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He started this job in 2022. As a member of the Democratic Party, he represents the 19th district, which includes parts of Pittsburgh.
Before becoming a state representative, Abney worked as a social worker. He was also a community activist, meaning he worked to improve his local community. He tried twice to win the state representative job from the person already holding it, Jake Wheatley, but he didn't win those times. In 2022, when Jake Wheatley left his job, Abney won a special election to take his place.
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Early Life and Education
Aerion Abney grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He went to Cardinal O'Hara High School.
After high school, he studied at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2010, he earned a bachelor's degree in communications. He then continued his studies and received a master's degree in social work in 2012 from the university's School of Social Work.
Serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is part of the state's government. Its members, called representatives, make laws for Pennsylvania.
How He Became a Representative
Aerion Abney tried several times to become a state representative for the 19th district.
His First Attempts
- 2016: Abney first planned to run for the 19th district seat in 2016. However, he decided not to run before the first round of voting (called the primary election).
- 2018: In 2018, Abney ran against Jake Wheatley, who had been the representative since 2003. Abney believed Wheatley wasn't doing enough to build new affordable homes, especially in the Hill District. This area is an important African-American neighborhood in Pittsburgh. Abney lost this election by a small number of votes.
- 2020: Abney ran against Wheatley again in 2020. He promised to work harder for the people in the Hill District. He pointed out that life in the Hill District was getting harder for residents. For example, the neighborhood had no grocery store since 2018. Abney lost this election too, by a larger number of votes than before.
Winning the Special Election in 2022
In 2022, many people thought Abney would run against Wheatley again. But Jake Wheatley left his job on January 31, 2022. He became the main helper for Ed Gainey, the new mayor of Pittsburgh.
Because Wheatley left early, a special election was held to choose a new representative. On February 10, local Democratic Party members voted to choose their candidate. Abney tied with another person, Rev. Glenn Grayson. To decide who would be the candidate, they drew lots (like drawing straws). Abney won the drawing!
In the special general election on April 5, Abney ran without anyone else against him. He received most of the votes, and some people wrote in other names. After his win, he was officially sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This means he officially started his job to finish Wheatley's term.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Election
In the regular Democratic primary election on May 17, Abney will face Rev. Glenn Grayson again. This election is for the next two-year term as representative.
What He Does in Committees
As a representative, Aerion Abney works on different groups called committees. These committees focus on specific topics and help create new laws.
- Aging & Older Adult Services (This committee helps older people.)
- Subcommittee on Care and Services
- Appropriations (This committee decides how the state's money is spent.)
- Subcommittee on Health and Human Services - Chair (He leads this group that focuses on health and people's well-being.)
- Committee On Committees (This committee helps decide who serves on other committees.)
- Education (This committee works on school and learning topics.)
- Housing & Community Development (This committee helps with homes and improving neighborhoods.)
- Insurance (This committee deals with insurance rules.)
Personal Life
Aerion Abney lives in the Manchester neighborhood of Pittsburgh. He lives there with his wife, Tamara Abney, and their two sons.
