Doylestown Accountant Will Run To Represent Redrawn 29th District

DOYLESTOWN, PA — A 25-year-old Doylestown accountant has become the first candidate to throw his hat in the ring for state representative of the newly-redrawn 29th district.

Connor O'Hanlon is chairman of the Doylestown Democratic Committee, and announced his run for a legislative seat after a proposed redistricting in which the 29th district would include New Hope, Solebury, Buckingham, Chalfont, Doylestown township and borough, and New Britain Borough.

"The proposed map currently represents a much more level and fair playing field," O'Hanlon wrote in an email to Patch. "I believe that democracy can only function when power is not consolidated in the hands of the few or more specifically one party rule."

But his candidacy is not just about the redistricting, should the new map be approved in February: O'Hanlon has a vision for change he could make as a representative.

"It really was not the map that made me want to run though, but rather it is my goal and passion to dedicate my life to public service and help improve the lives of as many folks as possible," O'Hanlon wrote. "As State Representative, there are ample opportunities to improve the quality of life of everyday people here in Bucks County and I believe a new leader can bring forth those improvements."

O'Hanlon touts his connections with local businesses as a key part of his candidacy, and aims to create a stronger localized economy in Bucks County. His proposed Pennsylvania New Deal includes a push to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and to incentivize municipalities offering affordable homes for their houseless populations.

His platform also includes funding accessible social programming in schools, that every worker should have the right to organize a union in their workplace, that people should have affordable access to birth control and the right to abortion, and that gender-affirming care should be covered through health insurance.

O'Hanlon has lived in Doylestown since 2007, and graduated from the Central Bucks School District. He said his interest in politics actually stems from a love of history in school.

"Growing up here in Doylestown I had a rich education that provided me with opportunities to dive into the lesser known parts of American and world history," he said. "Once I went to college, I was able to listen, learn, and grow from the experiences of others and I knew that I had to dedicate myself to taking on the issues that matter most to people."

He devoted himself to intensive study of the 2016 primary election at 18, studying relevant issues and policies of both parties and watching lots of primary debate coverage.

"By the time I graduated, the 2018 midterms were happening and I got engaged through volunteering and from there I continued pushing to make progress possible and show young people that we can be the change we want to see in the world," he said.

Now, the Doylestown Democratic Committee has been one of his primary avenues of political engagement. He is proud of electing multiple Doylestown candidates, including new mayor Noni West and new Central Bucks school director Tabitha Dell'Angelo.

"By no means could I take full credit for any of the achievements since becoming Chairman, however the Doylestown Democratic Committee has seen continued growth which I do not believe most political organizations can say after the 2020 Election," he said. "We have seen more engagement and new folks continue to show up and propose new ideas. One of the things I am most proud of was the production and release of the 'Vote Local' Interview Series in which we hosted interviews to educate people on what local officials do."

O'Hanlon's campaign kickoff event is scheduled for Jan. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at M.O.M's Craft Beer on 3 West Court St. Residents can RSVP at lindsay.troyer@gmail.com.

Those interested can read more about his platform and policies on his campaign website.

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