Andy Dinniman

Andy Dinniman
Andy Dinniman in 2021.
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 19th district
In office June 19, 2006 (2006-06-19) – November 30, 2020 (2020-11-30)
Preceded by	Bob Thompson
Succeeded by	Carolyn Comitta
Member of the Chester County Board of Commissioners
In office January 7, 1992 (1992-01-07) – June 19, 2006 (2006-06-19)
Preceded by	Patricia Moran Baldwin
Succeeded by	Kathi Cozzone
Member of the Downingtown Area School Board
In office December 1, 1975 (1975-12-01) – December 3, 1979 (1979-12-03)
Personal details
Born	(1944-10-10) October 10, 1944
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Margo
Residence	West Whiteland Township
Alma mater	University of Connecticut University of Maryland Pennsylvania State University
Profession	University Professor
Website	senatordinniman.com

Andrew E. Dinniman (born October 10, 1944) is an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 19th District from June 2006 until 2020.

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.

Teaching career

Dinniman Taught at Prince George Community College and West Chester 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.

Pennsylvania State Senate

2006 special election

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. 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.

Pennsylvania Senate, District 19: May 2006 Special Election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Andy Dinniman	21,614	56.2
	Republican	Carol Aichele	16,822	43.8
Total votes			38,436	100.0
	Democratic gain from Republican

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.

Pennsylvania Senate, District 19: November 2008 General Election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Andy Dinniman (incumbent)	84,846	57.8
	Republican	Steve Kantrowitz	62,026	42.2
Total votes			146,872	100.0
	Democratic hold

2012 election

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

Pennsylvania Senate, District 19: November 2012 General Election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Andy Dinniman (incumbent)	83,589	57.45
	Republican	Chris Amentas	61,914	42.55
Total votes			145,503	100.00
	Democratic hold

2016 election

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

Pennsylvania Senate, District 19: November 2016 General Election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Andy Dinniman (incumbent)	75,615	56.4
	Republican	Jack London	58,456	43.6
Total votes			134,071	100.0
	Democratic hold

Committee assignments

At the time of his retirement, Dinniman sat on five committees: Education; Communications and Technology; Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Environmental Resources and Energy; and State Government. He was 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. He was succeeded by Carolyn Comitta.

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.

External links

• State Senator Andy Dinniman official caucus website
• Senator Andrew E. Dinniman (D) official PA Senate website
• Andy Dinniman for PA Senate official campaign website

• Profile at Vote Smart
• Follow the Money - Andy Dinniman
  • 2006, 2008 campaign contributions