Bethany Hallam
American politician (born 1989)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bethany Hallam is an American politician. Since 2020, she has served as one of two at-large members of Allegheny County Council.[1]
Bethany Hallam | |
|---|---|
| At-Large member of Allegheny County Council | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | John DeFazio |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 12, 1989 |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Duquesne University |
| Website | https://www.bethanyhallam.com |
Early life
Hallam grew up in Ross Township, and graduated from Duquesne University.[2]
Political career
Hallam defeated a 20-year County Council incumbent, John DeFazio, in the 2019 Democratic primary, & secured the at-large seat in the following general election, making her one of a small number of formerly incarcerated people elected to office in the United States. She was sworn in on January 2nd, 2020.[3]
Hallam has been an advocate for a number of causes including criminal justice reform, criminal justice fine & fee reform, abolition of cash bail, harm reduction, and increasing the availability of substance use disorder recovery programs.[4][5] She is known for her willingness to engage with people who disagree with her.[6]
In her position as a County Councilor, Hallam serves on Allegheny County Jail’s Jail Oversight Board, Allegheny County’s Board of Elections, & Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s board of trustees.[7][8][2]
Electoral record
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bethany Hallam | 203,394 | 56.78 | |
| Republican | Sam DeMarco | 151,023 | 42.16 | |
| Write-in | 3,806 | 1.06 | ||
| Total votes | 358,223 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bethany Hallam | 89,464 | 56.33 | |
| Democratic | Joanna Doven | 68,393 | 43.06 | |
| Write-in | 969 | 0.61 | ||
| Total votes | 158,826 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bethany Hallam | 168,350 | 64.67 | |
| Republican | Sam DeMarco | 91,615 | 35.19 | |
| Write-in | 367 | 0.14 | ||
| Total votes | 260,332 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bethany Hallam | 55,695 | 53.38 | |
| Democratic | John P. DeFazio | 48,275 | 46.27 | |
| Write-in | 363 | 0.35 | ||
| Total votes | 104,333 | 100.00 | ||