Marty Flynn

Marty Flynn is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing the 22nd district. A member of the Democratic Party, Flynn has a diverse background that includes experience as a professional boxer, a prison guard, and a legislator. His career in politics began in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he served multiple terms before transitioning to the state senate.

Early life and career

Marty Flynn was born on September 18, 1975, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He completed his secondary education at Scranton Preparatory School, graduating in 1994. During his time at Scranton Prep, Flynn was active in sports, participating in football, basketball, and baseball. Following high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Scranton before transferring to Marywood University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in legal studies in 1999.

While attending Marywood University, Flynn developed a passion for boxing, receiving a scholarship from USA Boxing. His dedication to the sport led him to compete in the Golden Gloves, where he achieved notable success by winning the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves in the Novice 178-pound division in 1997. To enhance his training, Flynn commuted to North Philadelphia, where he trained in a gym and served as a sparring partner for renowned boxer Bernard Hopkins during Hopkins' preparation for high-profile fights.

Flynn turned professional in boxing in 2000, with Hopkins co-managing his career. Over the course of his boxing career, Flynn achieved a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, including five victories by knockout, between 2001 and 2007. However, injuries, including a broken elbow and a separated shoulder, sidelined him from the sport from 2003 to 2006. In 2009, he made his debut in amateur mixed martial arts and also took on the role of coaching the wrestling team at Scranton Prep.

In addition to his athletic pursuits, Flynn began working as a prison guard at the Lackawanna County Prison in August 2002. His career at the prison progressed, and by September 2007, he was promoted to the position of inmate education and program coordinator. Flynn also held the role of chairman of the prison misconduct board during his tenure. Alongside his work in corrections, he owned a bar from 2002 to 2009 and was a co-owner of a paving company from 2004 to 2012.

Legislative service

Flynn's political career began in earnest when he announced his candidacy for the Democratic primary election for the 113th legislative district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in January 2012. He challenged the incumbent, Representative Kevin P. Murphy. However, a complaint was filed with the United States Office of Special Counsel, alleging that Flynn's candidacy while employed by the government violated the Hatch Act. After being informed of the violation, Flynn resigned from his position at the Lackawanna County Prison to continue his campaign.

In the April primary election, Flynn successfully defeated Murphy, securing 4,306 votes to Murphy's 4,065. He faced no opposition from a Republican candidate in the general election and was sworn into office on January 1, 2013. During his time in the Pennsylvania House, Flynn served on several committees, including Aging and Older Adult Services, Commerce, and State Government.

Throughout his tenure in the House, Flynn faced various electoral challenges. In 2014, he won a primary contest against truck driver Lee Morgan with a significant majority of the vote. He was re-elected in November of that year, defeating Republican candidate Marcel Lisi. Flynn continued to build on his electoral success, winning a third term in 2016 and being re-elected without opposition for a fourth term in 2018. In 2020, he again faced a Republican challenger, William Kresge, and secured victory with a substantial majority.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Flynn was involved in the Regional Recovery Task Force of Lackawanna County. His social media activity during this period drew attention when he posted a response to business owners criticizing the Democratic Party's handling of the pandemic. Following backlash, he removed the post and issued an apology.

Policy focus and district

In February 2021, Flynn transitioned to the Pennsylvania State Senate after winning a special election to represent the 22nd district. This followed the resignation of Democratic State Senator John Blake, who left to take a position in the office of U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright. Flynn competed against Representative Kyle Mullins for the Democratic nomination and won the party's endorsement at a special convention. He subsequently won the special election held on May 18, 2021, defeating Republican Chris Chermak and other candidates.

Upon taking office in the Senate, Flynn was sworn in on June 9, 2021. He was succeeded in the House by Thom Welby, who had previously served as his chief of staff. In the Senate, Flynn holds the position of minority chair of the finance committee and serves on several other committees, including appropriations, Community, Economic and Recreational Development, and Transportation.

Flynn's legislative initiatives have included efforts to reform toll collection practices in Pennsylvania, particularly following reports of significant unpaid tolls by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. He filed legislation aimed at addressing these issues in January 2022. Additionally, he proposed legislation that would allow judges to mandate child support payments from individuals convicted of driving under the influence if their actions resulted in the death of a parent.

Throughout his legislative career, Flynn has focused on issues pertinent to his constituents and the broader Pennsylvania community. His work reflects a commitment to addressing both local and state-level challenges, as he continues to serve in the Pennsylvania State Senate.