Senator Tim Kearney

Timothy P. Kearney was born on November 22, 1960, and is an American politician, architect, and professor. He resides in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, where he has been deeply involved in community leadership for decades. Kearney is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing the 26th District since January 2019. He made history by becoming the first Democrat to represent the 26th district since 1978, defeating Republican Tom McGarrigle in an upset victory during the 2018 election.

The 26th Senate District encompasses multiple municipalities in Delaware County, including the townships of Marple, Newtown, Ridley, Springfield, Upper Darby, and Upper Providence, along with numerous boroughs such as Media, Lansdowne, and Swarthmore.

Education and Professional Background

Kearney earned his education from the Catholic University of America and the University of Pennsylvania. Beyond his legislative work, he maintains his career as an architect and serves as a professor. He is also a small business owner and a father.

Political Experience

Before his election to the state senate, Kearney spent 12 years serving Swarthmore borough, including seven years as chair of the Borough Planning Commission and two terms as mayor. During his tenure in local government, he focused on environmental protection, sustainability practices, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, fair and equitable policing, and LGBTQ equality.

In the Pennsylvania State Senate, Kearney serves on several committees: the Appropriations Committee, Education Committee, Local Government Committee, and Transportation Committee. Most notably, he serves as the Democratic Chair of the Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee , a newly established committee responsible for overseeing legislation concerning the sustainability of institutional facilities throughout the Commonwealth, including hospitals, educational facilities, and nursing homes.