Anthony H. Williams facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anthony Hardy Williams
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 8th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 5, 1999
Preceded by	Hardy Williams
Democratic Whip of the Pennsylvania Senate
In office January 25, 2011 – November 15, 2022
Preceded by	Michael O'Pake
Succeeded by	Christine Tartaglione
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 191st district
In office January 3, 1989 – November 30, 1998
Preceded by	Peter Truman
Succeeded by	Ronald Waters
Personal details
Born	(1957-02-28) February 28, 1957 (age 68)
Political party	Democratic
Other political affiliations	Forward Party (2023–present)
Spouse	Shari
Residence	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alma mater	Franklin and Marshall College

Anthony Hardy Williams (born February 28, 1957) is an American politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 1998, he has represented the 8th District in the Pennsylvania State Senate. Before he became a public servant, he worked in business. He was an executive at PepsiCo and later owned his own vending company.

Life and Political Journey

Anthony Hardy Williams grew up in Philadelphia. His father, Hardy Williams, was also a politician. His mother, Carole, was an elementary school teacher. He went to several schools in Philadelphia, including Anderson and Mitchell Elementary Schools. He also attended Conwell Middle Magnet School and Westtown School. Later, he studied economics at Franklin & Marshall College.

Starting in the House of Representatives

In 1989, Anthony Williams began his public service career. He was sworn in to represent the 191st legislative district. This is a part of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Moving to the State Senate

In 1998, his father, Hardy Williams, retired from his seat in the Pennsylvania Senate. This allowed Anthony Williams to run for his father's 8th senatorial district seat. He won both elections he ran in that year. He chose to take the State Senate seat.

Joining the Forward Party

On June 21, 2023, Senator Williams announced something new. He and fellow State Senator Lisa Boscola decided to also join the Forward Party. They are still members of the Democratic Party. They also remain part of the State Senate's Democratic group.

Important Roles and Committees

Senator Williams holds several important positions. He is the Democratic chairman of the State Government Committee. He also chairs the Life Sciences Caucus. A caucus is a group of people with shared interests.

Leadership Positions

He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. This council supports arts and culture in Pennsylvania. He leads the Black Elected Officials of Philadelphia County. This is a group of elected officials of color in Philadelphia. In January 2011, he was chosen as the Democratic Whip. A whip helps make sure party members vote together.

Senate Committees for 2025-2026

For the 2025-2026 Session, Senator Williams is on these committees in the State Senate:

• Community, Economic & Recreational Development (Minority Chair)
• Banking & Insurance
• Education
• State Government

Community Leadership

Williams is also a "Ward Leader" for the 3rd Ward Democratic Executive Committee. A ward leader helps organize political activities in a specific neighborhood or area. He also leads the Philadelphia Democratic United Ward Leaders of Color. This group includes ward leaders of color from different parts of Philadelphia.

Running for Governor

On February 23, 2010, Anthony Williams announced he wanted to be Governor of Pennsylvania. He ran in the 2010 election. In the primary election, which decides who will represent the party, he finished third among four candidates.