15 Facts About Kathy Dahlkemper

Kathleen Ann Dahlkemper is an American politician.

Kathy Dahlkemper graduated in 1982 from Edinboro State College with a degree in dietetics.

Kathy Dahlkemper supported the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for the armed forces, and was a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act, known as "Card check".

Kathy Dahlkemper identifies as "pro-life", and was the "Hall of Fame" Award recipient at the 2009 Conference of Democrats for Life of America, an anti-abortion advocacy group.

Kathy Dahlkemper supported the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, an anti-abortion amendment to America's Affordable Health Care Act of 2009, but later voted in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act after President Obama issued an executive order that barred the use of federal funds for abortions.

Kathy Dahlkemper announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the 3rd District in October 2007.

Kathy Dahlkemper raised $872,000 to English's $2.2 million, but was aided by large spending by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Kathy Dahlkemper was the first woman to represent northwest Pennsylvania in the House, and was one of two women in the 19-member delegation from Pennsylvania, the other being Allyson Schwartz of the Philadelphia area.

Since Kathy Dahlkemper left office, a Democrat has come within single digits in the district, now numbered as the 16th District, only once.

In March 2013, Kathy Dahlkemper announced her candidacy for Erie County executive, challenging incumbent Democrat Barry Grossman.

Kathy Dahlkemper took office as county executive on January 6,2014.

Kathy Dahlkemper ran for reelection in 2017, winning by 307 votes, with 50.15 percent of the vote over her Republican opponent, Art Oligeri, who garnered 49.64 percent.

Kathy Dahlkemper weathered a strong tide against her in the county's more conservative eastern portion.

Kathy Dahlkemper married her first husband while in college; they divorced when the marriage became abusive, and she raised her son as a single mother on food stamp assistance.

Kathy Dahlkemper later married Dan Dahlkemper, who adopted her son; they had four additional children.