Andy Dinniman

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.

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 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. 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.