Biography

01/12/1955 -

KIRKLAND, Thaddeus, a Representative from Delaware County; born in the city of Chester, Delaware County, Pa., January 12, 1955; graduated, Chester High School, 1973; B.A., communications, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, 1990; graduated, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary; community service coordinator, Crozer Chester Medical Center; pastor, Community Baptist Church; elected as a Democrat to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 1993 term; reelected to serve 11 more consecutive terms; appointed, Select Committee on Public Education Funding (2001-2002); resigned from the House, December 31, 2015; rescinded resignation, January 5, 2016; elected, mayor, city of Chester (2016-2023); not a candidate for reelection to the House for the 2017 term; unsuccessful campaign, Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor (2002); member, Democratic State Committee (2007-2008); elected, delegate, Democratic National Convention (2008, 2012, 2016).