Ben Waxman

Benjamin R. Waxman is an American politician and journalist currently serving as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing District 182. A member of the Democratic Party, Waxman has a background in journalism and activism, which has informed his political career. He has previously held positions as an editorial writer and reporter, and has worked closely with notable political figures in Pennsylvania, including State Senator Vincent Hughes and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. His legislative work focuses on various issues, including education, criminal justice reform, and economic recovery.

Early life and career

Born on February 9, 1985, Waxman was raised in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in a family that did not engage deeply in political matters. His father, Michael Waxman, worked as a realtor and previously owned a glass business in Germantown, Philadelphia, which closed due to competition from larger retailers. This experience had a significant impact on Waxman’s political views, shaping his understanding of economic challenges faced by local businesses. His mother, Barbara Buonocore, is a nurse, and her professional background contributed to Waxman’s awareness of healthcare issues.

From a young age, Waxman became involved in activism. While in high school, he emerged as a leader in Unite for Peace, an anti-war organization formed in response to the events following the September 11 attacks. He also served on the board of Pennsylvania Abolitionists United Against the Death Penalty, reflecting his commitment to social justice issues. Waxman graduated from Springfield Township High School in 2003, where he was recognized for his activism, receiving a scholarship from the American Civil Liberties Union for his opposition to the death penalty.

Waxman pursued higher education at Juniata College, where he graduated in 2007. During his time in college, he began to develop his voice as a writer, contributing left-leaning opinion pieces to The Huntingdon Daily News and working as a Field Reporter for Generation Progress. These early experiences in journalism set the stage for his subsequent career in media and politics.

Legislative service

Waxman's professional career in journalism began after college, where he worked from 2008 to 2011 as an opinion columnist for The Philadelphia Daily News and as a reporter for WHYY-FM. His journalistic focus included city government and the financial interactions between state and local entities. During his tenure at The Philadelphia Daily News, he wrote editorials advocating for marriage equality and the passage of a non-discrimination law in Pennsylvania, highlighting his commitment to progressive causes.

In 2013, Waxman transitioned into political communications when he was appointed Press Secretary for Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, who represents District 7. In this role, he focused on the Appropriations Committee and also served as Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus. His work involved managing communications and public relations for the senator, which provided him with valuable insights into the legislative process.

Waxman left his position with Hughes in February 2017 to join the campaign of Larry Krasner, who was running for Philadelphia District Attorney. After Krasner's election in 2017, Waxman became the Director of Communications and spokesperson for the District Attorney's office. In this capacity, he was involved in significant criminal justice reform initiatives and often defended Krasner's policies against criticism. Waxman's role included advising on sentencing reform and managing public communications, and he was featured in the documentary "Philly D.A.," which chronicled Krasner's administration. He departed from this role in May 2019 to concentrate on his consulting firm, A. Waxman & Company, where he continued to support Krasner's re-election campaign in 2020.

Waxman's political aspirations led him to run for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2016, where he challenged the incumbent, Brian Sims, in the Democratic primary for District 182. Although he was not successful in that race, he gained valuable experience and visibility within the political landscape. In 2022, following Sims' decision to run for Lieutenant Governor, Waxman announced his candidacy for the open seat in District 182. His campaign emphasized a post-COVID-19 economic recovery that prioritized equality and community needs. He received endorsements from several prominent political figures, including Krasner and various members of the Philadelphia City Council. In the Democratic primary, Waxman secured the nomination with a significant percentage of the vote and subsequently won the general election in November 2022 with a commanding majority.

Policy focus and district

As a current member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Waxman represents District 182, which encompasses parts of Philadelphia. His legislative priorities reflect his background in journalism and activism, focusing on education, criminal justice reform, and economic issues. Waxman has expressed a commitment to increasing funding for public schools in Philadelphia, recognizing the challenges faced by the education system, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. His advocacy for educational equity aligns with his earlier work as an activist and journalist.

In addition to education, Waxman’s policy focus includes addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system. Drawing from his experience working with District Attorney Krasner, he is likely to support measures aimed at reforming sentencing practices and enhancing community safety. His legislative agenda may also encompass broader economic recovery strategies that consider the impacts of the pandemic on local businesses and communities.

Waxman's district is characterized by its diverse population and urban challenges, which inform his approach to governance. He aims to represent the interests of his constituents by addressing their needs through progressive policies that promote social justice and economic opportunity. His background in journalism and public service provides him with a unique perspective on the complexities of governance and the importance of effective communication with the public.

In summary, Benjamin R. Waxman is a dedicated public servant whose career has been shaped by his experiences in journalism and activism. His current role as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives allows him to advocate for policies that reflect his commitment to education, justice, and economic equity. As he continues to serve District 182, Waxman remains focused on addressing the pressing issues facing his constituents and contributing to the broader legislative landscape in Pennsylvania.