Tim earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Catholic University of America and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Drexel University and as a visiting lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania.

About - Senator Tim Kearney

He lives in Swarthmore with his wife, Claudia, and their COVID-era rescue dog, Chorizo. They have two grown children.

Tim Kearney earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Catholic University of America and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. He lives in Swarthmore with his wife, Claudia.

Senator Tim Kearney has represented Pennsylvania’s 26th District in eastern Delaware County since 2018, guided by a career that spans decades of community leadership, public service, and architectural practice. As the only architect in the Pennsylvania Senate, his background has informed a thoughtful, long-term approach to building sustainable, connected, and people-centered communities.

Tim is an architect. He has served as an adjunct professor at Drexel University and as a visiting lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania.

Timothy Kearney is a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing the 26th District. He was elected to the Senate in a special election on May 21, 2019, to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Republican Senator Tom McGarrigle. Kearney is a member of the Democratic Party.

Timothy Kearney - Ballotpedia

Tim’s commitment to public service began at the local level. He served 11 years on the Swarthmore Planning Commission, including seven years as Chair, before being elected to two terms as mayor. In total, he served the borough for 16 years, focusing on environmental and social issues, including efforts to make the community more pedestrian-friendly.

Tim serves in the Pennsylvania State Senate representing the 26th District. He was elected in a special election on May 21, 2019. Tim previously served two terms as mayor.

Pennsylvania State Senate District 26 - Ballotpedia

2026 Pennsylvania General Election 

“What results is a system that puts the heaviest burden on people with the least, while limiting our ability to raise sustainable revenue. Really, Pennsylvania doesn’t have a spending problem; we have a regressive revenue problem, and eliminating this rule will allow us to adopt a modern, fair budget capable of funding the services Pennsylvania communities rely on.”

“In the coming weeks, I will introduce a co–sponsorship memo to repeal the Uniformity Clause — a necessary step toward tax fairness and relief for working families.”

Senator Tim Kearney Responds to Passage of 2026–2027 State Budget, Citing Key Investments and Unfinished Work - Senator Tim Kearney

Since spring 2023, SEPTA has warned of a looming fiscal cliff due to lost COVID relief funds and post-pandemic commuter changes. While legislative leaders in Harrisburg committed to reaching a financial relief deal, this week was the last chance to pass legislation. Because of legislative inaction, we’ve reached and now passed the fiscal cliff.
Our split legislature must compromise to fund for transit, roads, and bridges for all Pennsylvanians and find a way to pay for it, whether through taxing skill games, allocating more sales tax revenue, or something else. Failure is not an option. Without state intervention, the transit death spiral will continue, and Democrats must also be ready to offer concessions to our Republican colleagues to reach a sustainable solution.

Senator Kearney Pens Op-Ed in Wake of SEPTA’s Recent Rate Hike & Service Cuts Announcement - Senator Tim Kearney

“SEPTA supports the economic health of our entire Commonwealth, but the brunt of these proposed service cuts and fare hikes would fall directly on the families, workers, and communities who rely on it every day,” said Senator Kearney. “We’re standing up to protect the riders who keep this system moving, and to demand the investment our region and Commonwealth deserves. We will not vote for a budget that does not fully fund public transit.”

Delaware County Legislative Delegation Rallies for State Funding for SEPTA, Highlights Negative Impact of Proposed Service Cuts - Senator Tim Kearney

HB 300
“The Fairness Act” Senator Kearney supports this bill to prohibit housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and many other identity factors that are unprotected under current law.

Working for Inclusion

Proposes repealing Pennsylvania's Uniformity Clause to pursue tax fairness and relief for working families.

Calls for fully funding public transit, roads, and bridges, including through potential new revenue sources.

Supports the Fairness Act, which would prohibit housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other factors.

- Proposes repealing Pennsylvania's Uniformity Clause to pursue tax fairness and relief for working families.
- Calls for fully funding public transit, roads, and bridges, including through potential new revenue sources.
- Supports the Fairness Act, which would prohibit housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other factors.

Economy

His work reflects a belief that strong communities are built through strategic planning, inclusive decision making, and investments that support families, workers, and future generations. The son of a teacher, Tim believes that every child in the Commonwealth deserves a quality public education and a safe learning environment.

Locally, he has partnered with dozens of nonprofit organizations and supported community events that celebrate and promote inclusion for all.

In the state Senate, Kearney serves on the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and has opposed homophobic and transphobic legislation like the “Don’t Say Gay” bill or bills banning LGBTQ+ inclusive information from schools. Senator Kearney believes it’s not enough to vote against bad bills, and as a vocal supporter of all LGBTQIA+ individuals, Kearney continues to push for policies that ensure constituents in Pennsylvania who make up the LGBTQIA+ community are treated with respect, fairness, and have equal rights under the law.

Believes every child in Pennsylvania deserves a quality public education and a safe learning environment.

Opposes legislation that bans LGBTQ-inclusive information in schools.

- Believes every child in Pennsylvania deserves a quality public education and a safe learning environment.
- Opposes legislation that bans LGBTQ-inclusive information in schools.

Education

“I’m proud to see the House pass H.B. 1460 and move us one step closer to protecting Pennsylvania’s healthcare systems from corporate greed,” Sen. Tim Kearney, D-Delaware, said. “Since 2022, the Delaware County House & Senate Legislative Delegations have fought tirelessly for these safeguards, and this is a big win for our communities. We’ll continue that fight in the Senate to make sure no more hospitals in PA fall victim to private equity at the expense of patients, workers, and access to care.”

Senator Kearney Highlights the House Passage of Rep. Borowski’s Bill, HB 1460 to Protect PA Health Services & Facilities From Corporate Greed - Senator Tim Kearney

Supports House Bill (HB) 1460 to add safeguards against private-equity ownership of Pennsylvania healthcare systems.

- Supports House Bill (HB) 1460 to add safeguards against private-equity ownership of Pennsylvania healthcare systems.

Healthcare

“Americans of every political stripe are disgusted by the influence of money in our elections,” Senator Kearney said. “Corporate super PACs and corporate-funded dark-money groups have overwhelmed the voices of real voters, and Pennsylvania has the authority — and responsibility — to act.”

Democracy is Not for Sale: Stopping Corporate Super PAC Influence in Elections - Senator Tim Kearney

“Pennsylvanians are sick of corporate and dark money in politics,” Senator Kearney added. “By refining the powers we grant corporations, we can restore trust, strengthen fairness, and make clear that democracy is not for sale.”

Calls for Pennsylvania to limit corporate influence and undisclosed spending in elections.

- Calls for Pennsylvania to limit corporate influence and undisclosed spending in elections.

Voting & Elections

Breonna Taylor should be alive today. But she was stolen from her family and her community because police used a no-knock warrant to burst into her home without warning and shoot her eight times. We must ensure this never happens again. Breonna’s Law would ban no-knock warrants like the one that led to Breonna Taylor’s death. Add your name as a citizen co-sponsor today.

Breonna's Law

SB 63
Senator Kearney’s bill to expand Pennsylvania’s Hate Crimes law to protect people against violence and intimidation based on sex, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, and disabilities.

“We anticipated progress on two important bipartisan bills during budget negotiations. The Healthcare Systems Protection Act, which protects patients from the private equity predations that destroyed the Crozer Health System, and Abby’s Law, which sets statewide safety rules for e–scooters in the wake of the tragic accident that took the life of 12-year-old Abigail Gillon and critically injured her friend.”

“Both bills received input from both sides of the aisle, have wide public backing, and life-saving implications. And yet, both bills ultimately weren’t given consideration, victims of partisan politicking.”

“I am disappointed, but will continue to fight for these life-saving bills once the budget smoke clears, and promise to finish what we started.”

Supports Breonna's Law to ban no-knock warrants.

Sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 63 to expand Pennsylvania's hate-crimes law to cover additional protected characteristics.

Pledges to continue advocating for Abby's Law, which would establish statewide e-scooter safety rules.

- Supports Breonna's Law to ban no-knock warrants.
- Sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 63 to expand Pennsylvania's hate-crimes law to cover additional protected characteristics.
- Pledges to continue advocating for Abby's Law, which would establish statewide e-scooter safety rules.

Public Safety

“This legislation is both practical and necessary,” Senator Kearney said. “Every Pennsylvanian deserves a safe and healthy workplace, and that means protecting people from the growing risks of extreme heat. With federal action stalled, it’s time for our Commonwealth to step up and put safeguards in place that will save lives and keep workers safe.”

Senators Kearney and Pisciottano Announce Legislation to Protect Pennsylvania Workers from Extreme Heat - Senator Tim Kearney

Calls for statewide safeguards to protect workers from the risks of extreme heat.

- Calls for statewide safeguards to protect workers from the risks of extreme heat.

Energy & the Environment

Twitter

Instagram

Tim Kearney

- Calls for fully funding public transit, roads, and bridges, including through potential new revenue sources.
- Supports the Fairness Act, which would prohibit housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other factors.

Facebook

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Gail Scott

- Your state senator represents the interests of your district in the Pennsylvania State Senate. The State Senate, along with the State House of Representatives, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Pennsylvania General Assembly. 
- Your state senator can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws after going through the legislative process.
- The State Senator and their staff members respond to constituent concerns and questions through emails, phone calls, and website announcements. 
- The State Senator oversees the executive branch and can vote to overrule a veto by the Governor.   
- There are 50 Pennsylvania state senators, each representing a single district.
- Senators must be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens, and residents of Pennsylvania for four years. They must also have lived in their district for one year before the election and must remain there throughout their term.
- State senators are elected to four-year terms and have a salary of $106,000, with a 1-3% annual increase.  

Your representative and state lawmaker in the Pennsylvania Senate.