Art Haywood

Arthur L. Haywood III is an American lawyer and politician who has been serving as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate representing the 4th district since 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, Haywood's political career has been marked by his advocacy on various social issues, particularly in the realms of policing and gun control. He has been re-elected multiple times, demonstrating a sustained commitment to his constituents and the legislative process.

Early life and career

Art Haywood was born on January 28, 1957, in Toledo, Ohio. He is the son of Arthur and Virginia Haywood, with his mother, Virginia, having a significant influence on his early life as a public school teacher and education activist. Haywood completed his secondary education at Rogers High School, graduating in 1975. He pursued higher education at Morehouse College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with magna cum laude honors in 1979. His academic achievements continued as he became a Marshall Scholar, which allowed him to study at the London School of Economics, where he obtained a Master of Science degree.

In 1985, Haywood earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Following his graduation, he relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to begin his legal career. His background in law would later inform his legislative priorities and advocacy efforts.

Haywood's initial foray into politics began in 2009, inspired by the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. He ran for a seat on the Board of Commissioners of Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, where he served for five years. During his tenure, he held the position of president of the board for two years, gaining valuable experience in local governance and public service.

Legislative service

In 2014, Haywood entered the race for the Pennsylvania State Senate, challenging incumbent LeAnna Washington in the Democratic primary. Washington's indictment for misuse of office provided an opportunity for Haywood, who successfully won the primary and subsequently the general election to represent the 4th district. Since taking office, he has been re-elected in 2018 and 2022, demonstrating his continued support among constituents.

As a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, Haywood has taken on various leadership roles and responsibilities. For the 2025–26 legislative session, he serves on several committees, including Health & Human Services, where he holds the position of Minority Chair, as well as Appropriations, Finance, Institutional Sustainability & Innovation, and Judiciary. His involvement in these committees reflects his commitment to addressing a wide range of issues affecting his district and the state.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Haywood has focused on several key policy areas, particularly those related to social justice, public safety, and gun control. Following high-profile incidents of police violence, including the killings of Eric Garner and Michael Brown Jr., he introduced legislation aimed at mandating investigations into police-related fatalities. In 2022, he reintroduced a modified version of this legislation, which sought to require district attorneys to investigate police killings independently of the police department, thereby ensuring a level of accountability in such cases.

Haywood has also been an outspoken advocate for gun control measures. In response to the ongoing gun violence crisis in Philadelphia, he staged a sit-in outside the office of Mayor Jim Kenney to draw attention to the issue. His campaign platform in 2022 included proposals to restrict the sale and purchase of military-grade weapons and accessories. Following the federal passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, he has continued to advocate for the implementation of a red flag law in Pennsylvania, which would allow for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.

In addition to his work on policing and gun control, Haywood has addressed the implications of the January 6 Capitol attack. In 2022, he sponsored a memorandum advocating for the observance of the events surrounding the attack in Pennsylvania schools. He also introduced a resolution aimed at empowering the Pennsylvania Secretary of State to disqualify individuals who participated in the Capitol attack from holding elected office, invoking Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In 2024, he called for an ethics investigation into fellow State Senator Doug Mastriano's involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and the January 6 events, although the State Senate's Ethics Committee declined to pursue the matter.

Haywood has publicly condemned actions taken by former President Donald Trump regarding the January 6 participants, referring to Trump's blanket pardon as a significant injustice. His positions on these issues highlight his commitment to accountability and ethical governance.

On a personal note, Haywood is married to Julie Billingslea, with whom he has three adult children. Julie is actively involved in the community as a member of the Cheltenham School District's school board. This connection to local education further emphasizes Haywood's commitment to public service and community engagement.

Through his legislative work and community involvement, Art Haywood continues to play a significant role in shaping policy and addressing the needs of his constituents in Pennsylvania's 4th district. His focus on social justice, public safety, and ethical governance reflects a broader commitment to improving the lives of those he represents.