Tim Kearney (politician)

Tim Kearney
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate
from the 26th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2019 (2019-01-01)
Preceded byTom McGarrigle
Mayor of Swarthmore
In office
2014 – January 1, 2019 (2019-01-01)
Preceded byRichard Lowe
Succeeded byMarty Spiegel
Personal details
Born (1960-11-22) November 22, 1960
PartyDemocratic
EducationCatholic University of America
University of Pennsylvania
OccupationArchitect, professor
WebsiteOfficial website

Timothy P. Kearney (born November 22, 1960) is an American politician and architect. He is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing the 26th District since 2019.[1]

Education and career

Kearney received a B.S. from the Catholic University of America and a M.Arch. from the University of Pennsylvania.[2] He is an adjunct professor at Drexel University. He is also a partner in an architectural firm, along with his wife.[3]

Political career

Kearney served seven years on the planning commission for Swarthmore, Pennsylvania before being elected to two terms as mayor.[3] In total, he served the borough for 12 years, focusing on environmental and social issues, including working towards making the borough more pedestrian-friendly.[4]

In 2018, he defeated Republican Tom McGarrigle in an upset to become state senator and the first Democrat to represent the 26th district since 1978.[5]

For the 2025-2026 Session Kearney serves on the following committees in the State Senate: [6]

  • Institutional Sustainability & Innovation (Minority Chair)
  • Appropriations
  • Education
  • Local Government
  • Transportation

References

  1. ^ "Timothy P. Kearney". Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  2. ^ "Tim Kearney, AIA". Faculty and Staff Directory. Drexel University. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  3. ^ a b Serbin, Susan L. (October 25, 2019). "McGarrigle, Kearney face off at event in Springfield". Delaware County Daily Times.
  4. ^ Serbin, Susan L. (December 22, 2018). "Swarthmore signs off on budget, bids adieu to Mayor Kearney". Delaware County Daily Times.
  5. ^ Carey, Kathleen E. (November 7, 2019). "Dem Kearney upsets McGarrigle in 26th state Senate race". Delaware County Daily Times.
  6. ^ "Timothy P. Kearney". Pennsylvania State Senate. Retrieved July 15, 2025.