After graduating Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, Art pursued further education as a Marshall Scholar at the London School of Economics, where he completed his master’s degree. He then earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1985.

About | Senator Art Haywood

Art has been married to Julie for 35 years, and together they have three adult children: Arthur, Olivia, and Alexandra.

Art Haywood earned a bachelor's degree from Morehouse College, a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He has been married to Julie and has three adult children.

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Art’s professional career began with Community Legal Services (CLS), where he helped save families from home foreclosure. He went on to work at Regional Housing Legal Services and then at Esperanza, before establishing his own private practice, assisting nonprofit organizations in revitalizing neighborhoods.

Biographical Information
COUNTY
Montgomery
OCCUPATION
lawyer
EDUCATION
Morehouse College, London School of Economics and Political Science, U Michigan Law School

Vote411 Pennsylvania State Senator, District 4 voter guide

Art Haywood is a lawyer. He previously worked at Community Legal Services, Regional Housing Legal Services, and Esperanza before establishing his own private practice.

Pennsylvania State Senator District 4 - Voter Guide - VOTE411.org

In 2009, inspired by President Barack Obama, Art ran for and won the position of township commissioner in Cheltenham. During his tenure, he made a lasting impact, divesting pension funds from gun manufacturers, launching the Sustainable Cheltenham initiative, and enacting a non-discrimination ordinance for sexual orientation and gender identity.

After serving as President of the Board of Commissioners, Art was elected State Senator for the 4th District in 2014.

The 4th District of the Pennsylvania State Senate is located in the southeastern part of the state and includes parts of Montgomery County and Philadelphia. The district is represented by Democrat Art Haywood, who has served since 2015.

Pennsylvania State Senate District 4

In the 2020 election, Art Haywood was re-elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate, defeating his Republican opponent by a significant margin.

Art currently serves as state senator for the 4th District. He was elected in 2014 and reelected in 2020. He previously served as a township commissioner in Cheltenham after winning election in 2009.

Pennsylvania State Senate District 4 - Ballotpedia

2026 Pennsylvania General Election 

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing residents of your district, and how would you address them?
The cost of living is a pressing matter that can be addressed in part by a) raising pay and the minimum wage to at least $15 per hour, b) advocacy to restore access to food and healthcare that has been denied by Trump regime, and c) advocacy to end the war in Iran to bring down gas prices. In addition we must address the violations of our dignity from discrimination, ICE brutality, restrictions on women's health care, and degradation of the only environment we have, earth.

“The workforce has changed, families have changed, and our laws must keep up,” said Senator Haywood. “Parents and caregivers should not have to choose between keeping their job and showing up for a child’s school conference, a medical appointment, or caring for an aging loved one. The Small Necessities Leave Act would allow for up 20 hours of leave for working families. It is a practical, proven first step toward a stronger family leave system in Pennsylvania.”

Senate Democratic Caucus Policy Committee Holds Hearing Regarding Small Necessities Leave

Senator Haywood Statement on Voting No on the Gross Receipts Tax Bill:

The State Senate recently approved the elimination of the Gross Receipts Tax on electric and water utilities at a cost of approximately $1.6B in lost money to cover essential state services. At a time when the Trump Administration’s war in Iran is making the cost-of-living skyrocket, Pennsylvania cannot afford to cut essential government services. Robbing the state of over a billion dollars for education, healthcare, and safety will hurt us all. While everyone needs relief, Pennsylvania already has the highest student loan debt and fails to fund SEPTA. Pennsylvania cannot solve a cost-of-living crisis created in Washington by cutting what we rely upon here.

Senator Haywood Issues Statements Explaining His No Votes on Utility Tax Repeal and Mandatory Sentencing Bill

Supports raising the minimum wage to at least $15 per hour.

Supports the Small Necessities Leave Act, which would provide up to 20 hours of leave for working families.

Voted against eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax on electric and water utilities, citing lost funding for essential state services.

- Supports raising the minimum wage to at least $15 per hour.
- Supports the Small Necessities Leave Act, which would provide up to 20 hours of leave for working families.
- Voted against eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax on electric and water utilities, citing lost funding for essential state services.

Economy

“Just as an assassin’s bullet tried to end Dr. King’s dream in 1968, these attacks on education funding and DEI programs seek to do the same today,” said Senator Art Haywood. “We are here to say enough. Every child deserves dignity in the classroom and a real chance to thrive—regardless of race, ability, or zip code. Defunding our future is not an option.”

On the Anniversary of Dr. King’s Assassination, Leaders Rally to Defend Equal Education Against Federal Attacks

Opposes cuts to education funding and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

- Opposes cuts to education funding and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Education

Women’s Equality

Prioritizing women’s equality in Pennsylvania is paramount. We must address not only gender disparities but crucial issues like Black maternal health.

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Dignity Agenda | Senator Art Haywood

Prioritizes addressing Black maternal health as part of advancing women's equality in Pennsylvania.

- Prioritizes addressing Black maternal health as part of advancing women's equality in Pennsylvania.

Healthcare

What changes, if any, would you support to enable better access, ensure security, and support the processes of our elections?
1) pre canvassing of mail in ballots starting 5 days before election day to speed mail ballot counting; 2) approve secure drop box mail voting across all counties; 3) approve standard mail voting cure procedures; 4) eliminate mail voting date requirements; and 5) prohibit sharing of voting records with federal government overreach

Supports earlier processing of mail ballots, statewide secure drop boxes and ballot-curing procedures, ending mail-voting date requirements, and restricting federal access to voting records.

- Supports earlier processing of mail ballots, statewide secure drop boxes and ballot-curing procedures, ending mail-voting date requirements, and restricting federal access to voting records.

Voting & Elections

Peace

In 2023, we built a coalition of organizations committed to violence intervention in high crime areas in Northwest Philadelphia.

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Senator Haywood Statement on Voting No to Excessive Sentencing:

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed legislation last week that would impose excessive mandatory sentences. Under the bill, someone who is present with a person who commits murder, despite not knowing what is occurring and having zero responsibility, could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Zero responsibility should not result in 10 years behind bars. That’s wrong, which is why I voted no.

“Today, the Montgomery County Grand Jury released a deeply disturbing report detailing the alleged physical and psychological abuse of a Cheltenham High School student at the hands of both teammates and coaches. This report demands immediate attention and action. No student in Montgomery County or Philadelphia should ever be subjected to violence, humiliation, or fear in a place meant to foster growth and safety.

I will move urgently to advance the recommendation to classify hazing as reportable child abuse under Pennsylvania law. This is a necessary step to ensure accountability and prevent future harm. Hazing has no place in our schools, our communities, or our Commonwealth. I will also work closely with the Cheltenham School District, local families, and community leaders to identify and implement meaningful reforms that strengthen student protections. Our schools must be safe spaces for every young person—without exception.”

Senator Art Haywood Calls for Urgent Action Following Montgomery County Grand Jury Report on Cheltenham High School Hazing

Built a coalition of organizations committed to violence intervention in high-crime areas of Northwest Philadelphia.

Voted against legislation imposing mandatory minimum sentences, citing a proposed 10-year sentence for people who had no responsibility for a murder.

Plans to advance the classification of hazing as reportable child abuse under Pennsylvania law.

- Built a coalition of organizations committed to violence intervention in high-crime areas of Northwest Philadelphia.
- Voted against legislation imposing mandatory minimum sentences, citing a proposed 10-year sentence for people who had no responsibility for a murder.
- Plans to advance the classification of hazing as reportable child abuse under Pennsylvania law.

Public Safety

Climate Sustainability

Addressing climate change is imperative, encompassing environmental justice, investing in green energy, and fostering green job creation.

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Should the state legislature enact laws concerning the impacts on water, energy, or land use from the development and operation of data centers? Would state regulation of data center development and operation interfere with the authority of municipalities to establish ordinances under the MPC (Municipal Planning Code)?
Yes, the state legislature should act even though state regulation would impact local governments. The statewide impact of data centers on water in particular are far beyond what local governments can manage. In addition, some data centers will require as much power as Pittsburgh. This power demand is far beyond what any local government can manage.

Prioritizes environmental justice, investment in green energy, and green-job creation to address climate change.

Supports statewide regulation of data centers' water, energy, and land-use impacts.

- Prioritizes environmental justice, investment in green energy, and green-job creation to address climate change.
- Supports statewide regulation of data centers' water, energy, and land-use impacts.

Energy & the Environment

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- 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.