Tom Wolf

Tom Wolf. Thomas Westerman Wolf is an American businessman and politician who served as the 47th Governor of Pennsylvania from 2015 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue under Governor Ed Rendell. Wolf's tenure was marked by significant policy initiatives on education, healthcare, and government reform, positioning him as a prominent figure in Northeastern state politics.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Westerman Wolf was born in York, Pennsylvania, to William T. Wolf and Cornelia "Cricket" (Lindsay) Wolf. He attended The Hill School, a preparatory school in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, before enrolling at Dartmouth College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in government. Wolf subsequently studied at the University of London and completed a Master of Arts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He later earned a Doctor of Philosophy in political science from the University of Chicago, where his dissertation focused on congressional budgeting. His academic background provided a foundation for his later career in both business and public service.

Career

Prior to entering politics, Wolf built a successful career in the private sector. In 1985, he joined his family's business, the Wolf Organization, a distributor of building products based in York County, Pennsylvania. He eventually became president and chairman, overseeing a period of significant growth. Wolf also served as the Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue from April 2007 to November 2008 in the administration of Governor Ed Rendell, where he managed the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue during the early stages of the Great Recession. After leaving that post, he returned to the private sector but remained active in civic and philanthropic endeavors across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Governor of Pennsylvania

Wolf was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 2014, defeating incumbent Republican Tom Corbett, and was re-elected in 2018 against challenger Scott Wagner. His administration prioritized increased funding for public education, expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and implementing government ethics reforms. He frequently clashed with the Pennsylvania General Assembly, particularly the Republican-controlled legislature, over budgets and policy. Key legislative achievements included the legalization of medical cannabis through the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act and the establishment of the Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network. His tenure also involved navigating the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania, where he issued executive orders for business closures and mask mandates that faced legal challenges and political opposition.

Political Positions

Politically, Wolf was a progressive Democrat who advocated for a higher minimum wage, stronger environmental regulations, and LGBTQ+ rights. He was a vocal supporter of gun control measures and issued several vetoes against bills passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly that sought to expand gun rights. On fiscal policy, he opposed broad-based tax increases but supported a severance tax on natural gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale. He was a critic of the administration of President Donald Trump, particularly on issues like the Clean Power Plan and immigration, and Pennsylvania joined several multi-state lawsuits against federal policies during his governorship.

Personal Life

Wolf is married to Frances Donnelly, a clinical psychologist; the couple wed in 1975 and have two daughters. He is known for driving a Jeep Wrangler and for his modest personal style. An avid reader and history enthusiast, Wolf has published articles in periodicals like the York Daily Record. He and his wife are significant philanthropists in the York, Pennsylvania area, having donated to institutions such as the York County Community Foundation and the Cultural Alliance of York County. Since leaving office, he has remained engaged in public policy discussions and Democratic Party activities.

Category:1948 births Category:Governors of Pennsylvania Category:Dartmouth College alumni Category:University of Chicago alumni Category:Living people