Thaddeus Kirkland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thaddeus Kirkland
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| Mayor of Chester, Pennsylvania | |
| In office January 4, 2016 – January 3, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | John Linder |
| Succeeded by | Stefan Roots |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 159th district |
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| In office January 5, 1993 – November 30, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Robert C. Wright |
| Succeeded by | Brian Joseph Kirkland |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 12, 1955 Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Susie |
| Occupation | Pastor of Community Baptist Church, Chester, Pennsylvania |
Thaddeus Kirkland, born on January 12, 1955, is an American politician. He was the Democratic Mayor of Chester, Pennsylvania from 2016 to 2024. Before becoming mayor, he served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 159th district from 1993 to 2016. In 2023, he ran for mayor again but was not re-elected.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thaddeus Kirkland was born in Chester, Pennsylvania. He went to Chester High School and graduated in 1973. Later, he studied at Cheyney University, earning a degree in Communications in 1990. He also attended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Kirkland completed a program at the Widener University Leadership Academy. He is also a member of the Wine Psi Phi and Omega Psi Phi fraternities.
Before his political career, Kirkland worked at Crozer Chester Medical Center. There, he helped lead programs for teenagers, focusing on community service and education.
Political Career
Serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In 1993, Thaddeus Kirkland was elected to represent the 159th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He was re-elected ten times, serving for 11 terms, which means he was a representative for 22 years.
During his time in the House, Kirkland led the Democratic side of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. He chose not to run for re-election in 2016. His nephew, Brian Joseph Kirkland, took his place as the representative for the 159th district.
Bills and Focus Areas
In his last term (2015-2016), Kirkland proposed several bills. These included ideas about rules for shooting ranges, how to handle criminal records, and using body cameras for police officers. These bills were not voted on. Throughout his career, Kirkland also worked on topics like allowing prayer in schools, using video surveillance, technical training programs, and supporting Head Start programs for young children.
Mayor of Chester
In 2015, Thaddeus Kirkland ran for Mayor of Chester. He won the Democratic primary election against the current mayor, John Linder. Then, he won the main election against former mayor Wendell Butler Jr. He officially became Mayor on January 4, 2016. When he took office, he promised to make the city safer by improving schools and the police force, and by using body cameras.
For a short time, Kirkland tried to serve as both a state representative and the mayor. However, he eventually decided to focus on his role as mayor. In May 2023, he ran for re-election as mayor but was defeated in the Democratic primary by Stefan Roots.
Personal Life
Thaddeus Kirkland is a pastor at the Community Baptist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania. He is also the Vice President of the West End Ministerial Fellowship of Chester and Vicinity, which is a group of local church leaders. He used to be on the Board of Trustees for Lincoln University.
Kirkland is married to Susie, and they have five daughters. His older brother, Wilbur Kirkland, was a professional basketball player.
See also
- List of mayors of Chester, Pennsylvania
