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 served in the Pennsylvania State Senate. He represents the 8th District. Before becoming a politician, he worked for PepsiCo. He also owned a small vending machine business.

About Anthony Williams

Early Life and Education

Anthony Williams grew up in Philadelphia. His father, Hardy Williams, was also a politician. His mother, Carole, was an elementary school teacher. Anthony went to several schools in Philadelphia. These included Anderson Elementary and Westtown School. He later earned a degree in economics. He studied at Franklin & Marshall College.

Starting His Political Career

In 1989, Anthony Williams began his public service. He was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represented the 191st legislative district.

In 1998, his father, State Senator Hardy Williams, retired. This allowed Anthony to run for his father's Senate seat. He ran without anyone opposing him. Anthony won both the House and Senate elections. He chose to serve in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Joining the Forward Party

On June 21, 2023, Senator Williams made an announcement. He and Senator Lisa Boscola joined the Forward Party. They still kept their membership in the Democratic Party. They also remained part of the Democratic group in the State Senate.

What Senator Williams Does

Committees and Leadership Roles

Senator Williams is very active in the State Senate. He is the Democratic chairman of the State Government Committee. This committee handles how the state government works. He is also a member of several other important committees. These include Education, Banking and Insurance, Finance, and Environmental Resources and Energy. He is also part of the Life Sciences Caucus.

He serves on the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. This group supports arts and culture in Pennsylvania. He also leads a group called Black Elected Officials of Philadelphia County. This group includes elected officials of color from Philadelphia. In 2011, he was chosen as the Democratic Whip. This is a leadership role in the Senate.

Ward Leader Role

Senator Williams is also a Ward Leader. He leads the 3rd Ward Democratic Executive Committee. A ward leader helps organize the Democratic Party in a specific area. He also chairs the Philadelphia Democratic United Ward Leaders of Color. This group brings together ward leaders of color in Philadelphia.

Running for Governor

In 2010, Anthony Williams decided to run for Governor. He wanted to lead the entire state. He ran in the primary election in May. He finished third out of four candidates. The winner of that primary was Dan Onorato.