Andy Dinniman


Andrew E. Dinniman is an American politician currently serving as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 19th District since June 2006.

Early life and education

Dinniman was born in New Haven, Connecticut. He received his BA from the University of Connecticut in 1966, and his MA from the University of Maryland in 1969. He also holds an Ed.D from Pennsylvania State University.

Early political career

Dinniman's first elected position was as a member of Downingtown school district's board of school directors. He was first elected to this position in 1975, and held the post until 1979. In 1979, Dinniman was elected chairman of the Chester County Democratic Committee, a position he held until 1985.

County Commissioner

Dinniman later served as Chester County commissioner for three terms, beginning in 1991. During his three terms as commissioner, Dinniman was the body's only Democrat. After the death of Republican Senator Robert "Bob" Thompson in 2006, Dinniman sought and attained his party's nomination to run in the ensuing special election.

State Senate service

2006 special election

The special election pit Dinniman against his fellow county commissioner, Republican Carol Aichele. In what was considered a political surprise, Dinniman won with 56% of the vote, becoming the first Democrat elected to represent Chester County in the state Senate since the 1920s.

2008 election

Dinniman faced re-election in 2008. He handily defeated Republican Steve Kantrowitz, a retired U.S. Navy Admiral, with 57.8% of the vote.

2012 election

Dinniman faced re-election in 2012. He handily defeated Chris Amentas, an East Fallowfield Township supervisor, with 57.45% of the vote.

2016 election

Dinniman faced re-election again in 2016 against Republican Jack London. He handily won with 56.33% of the vote.

Committee assignments

Dinniman currently sits on five committees: Education; Communications and Technology; Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Environmental Resources and Energy; and State Government. He is the ranking Democrat on the Senate's education committee.

Retirement

After initially preparing for a re-election campaign, Dinniman announced he would not seek another term and retire at the end of 2020.

Potential congressional candidacy

In 2009, the non-partisan political newspaper The Hill reported that Dinniman was "reportedly eyeing a run" for the Democratic nomination in the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Jim Gerlach, who was, at the time, running for governor. Dinniman, however, ultimately did not enter the race. He endorsed Manan Trivedi, a doctor from Reading, who went on to win the Democratic primary, but lost the fall general election to Gerlach.