Dennis P. Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dennis P. Williams
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| 55th Mayor of Wilmington | |
| In office January 8, 2013 – January 3, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | James M. Baker |
| Succeeded by | Mike Purzycki |
| Member of the Delaware House of Representatives from the 1st district |
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| In office 1995–2013 |
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| Preceded by | Orlando J. George Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Charles Potter Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 8, 1953 Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Shayne |
| Alma mater | Delaware Technical Community College |
| Profession | Police Officer |
Dennis P. Williams was born on January 8, 1953. He is an American politician. He served as the Mayor of Wilmington, Delaware, from 2013 to 2017. Before becoming mayor, he was a member of the Delaware House of Representatives. He represented a district in northern Wilmington from 1995 to 2013.
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About Dennis P. Williams
Dennis P. Williams is known for his long career in public service. He worked as a police officer before entering politics. He then served many years in the state legislature. Later, he became the mayor of his hometown, Wilmington.
Early Life and Education
Dennis Williams was born in Wilmington, Delaware. He went to P.S. duPont High School. After high school, he studied criminal justice at Delaware Technical Community College. He also attended the Wilmington Police Academy. He then joined the city's police department. There, he worked on important police cases.
His Time in Politics
Dennis Williams began his political career in 1995. He was elected to the Delaware House of Representatives. This happened in a special election. He won against Karen Miller. He then won his first full term later that year. For many years, he ran for re-election without anyone running against him. This showed he had strong support from voters.
By 2012, Williams was a very important member of the House. He led the joint finance committee. He also chaired the appropriations committee. These committees are important for managing state money.
Running for Mayor in 2012
In 2012, Dennis Williams decided to run for mayor of Wilmington. He wanted to replace Mayor James M. Baker. Williams focused his campaign on fighting crime. He highlighted his experience as a police officer. Many police and fire fighter groups supported him.
During his campaign, there was a small issue. It was reported that he owed some money for city taxes and bills. He quickly paid these debts. He explained that he had financial pressure from paying his mother's medical bills.
Williams won the Democratic primary election on September 11. He then won the general election without any opponents. He became the 55th Mayor of Wilmington.
The 2016 Mayoral Election
Dennis Williams ran for a second term as mayor in 2016. However, he lost in the Democratic primary election. Mike Purzycki won the nomination instead. Purzycki was the former director of the Riverfront Development Corporation. Williams finished fourth among eight candidates.
Mike Purzycki went on to win the general election. Dennis Williams left office on January 3, 2017. Mike Purzycki was sworn in as the new mayor.
