Jennifer O'Mara explained

Jennifer O'Mara
State House:Pennsylvania
District:165th
Predecessor:Alex Charlton
Birth Date:12 November 1989
Birth Place:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Alma Mater:West Chester University (BA)
University of Pennsylvania(MLA)
Occupation:Educator, Nonprofit Administrator
Children:1
Residence:Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Website:

Jennifer O'Mara (born November 12, 1989) is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 165th Legislative District. The district includes parts of Springfield Township, Marple Township, Radnor Township and the borough of Morton.[1]

Early life and education

The oldest of three children, O'Mara was born in Southwest Philadelphia. She moved to Delaware County with her mother and siblings after her father, a Philadelphia firefighter, died by gun suicide. O'Mara cites the importance of her father's pension and public program such as CHIP in supporting her family while she was a teenager. She graduated from the Interboro High School in 2007 and became the first in her family to attend college.[2]

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a certificate in Secondary Education from West Chester University in 2011. In 2017, She received a Master's degree in liberal studies from the University of Pennsylvania, her master's thesis was centered around creative methods for childhood grief.[3] [4]

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Elections

2018

On, O'Mara launched her campaign for the 165th District.[5] The district had never elected a Democratic representative before, and had previously been represented by one-term Republican Alex Charlton.

O'Mara was unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Charlton defeated primary challenger Regina Scheerer with 65.72% of the Republican vote.[6] O'Mara upset Charlton in the 2018 general election, becoming the first Democrat and first woman to represent the district.[7]

2020

O'Mara ran for re-election in 2020.[8] She was unopposed in the Democratic primary and faced Republican Robert Smythe Jr. in the general election. O'Mara retained her seat by defeating Smythe with 51.51% of the vote.[9]

Tenure

O'Mara was sworn in on January 1, 2019, and was elected first vice-chair for the Democratic Caucus's Southeast delegation.[10]

Committee assignments

Notes and References

  1. News: Springfield woman plans run against Charlton in 165th . Carey . Kathleen . October 25, 2018 . en-us.
  2. News: Changing Trump's America starts with house-to-house combat to change Harrisburg, Jennifer O'Mara . Bunch . Will . October 25, 2018 . en-US.
  3. News: Penn grad Jennifer O'Mara joins record number of women running for office in 2018 . Curtis . Lucy . October 25, 2018 . en-us.
  4. Web site: Alumni Stories | Penn LPS.
  5. News: Carey . Kathleen . Springfield woman plans run against Charlton in 165th . February 26, 2019 . Delaware County News Network . November 19, 2017.
  6. Web site: 2018 Primary Election Returns . Pennsylvania Department of State . February 26, 2019.
  7. News: Carey . Kathleen . Dem O'Mara edges incumbent Charlton in 165th . February 26, 2019 . . November 7, 2018.
  8. Web site: Bennett . Max . March 10, 2020 . Jennifer O'Mara Seeking To Keep 165th District Seat . November 25, 2020 . Springfield, PA Patch . en.
  9. Web site: Rose . Alex . November 4, 2020 . UPDATE: Results posted in state House races . November 25, 2020 . . en.
  10. Web site: O'Mara elected to serve in key leadership roles on powerful PA House delegation . PA House Democrats . January 22, 2019 . February 26, 2019.