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{{Short description|American journalist (1985-)}}
{{Short description|American journalist (1985-)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Ben Waxman
| image = WaxmanSpeaking32BJ (cropped).jpg
| name = Ben Waxman
| image = WaxmanSpeaking32BJ (cropped).jpg
| imagesize = 235px
| image_size = 235px
| state_house = Pennsylvania
| state_house = Pennsylvania
| district = [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 182|182nd]]
| district = [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 182|182nd]]
| term_start = {{start date|2023|1|3}}
| term_start = {{start date|2023|1|3}}
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Waxman in 2015
| caption = Waxman in 2015
| term_end =
| term_end =
| predecessor = [[Brian Sims]]
| predecessor = [[Brian Sims]]
| successor =
| successor =
| birth_name = Benajmin R. Waxman
| birth_name = Benjamin R. Waxman
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|2|9}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|2|9}}
| birth_place = [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery County]], [[Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery County]], [[Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| party =
| spouse = Julie Wertheimer
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| spouse = Julie Wertheimer
| children =
| children =
| residence = [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]
| residence = [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]
| alma_mater = [[Juniata College]] ([[Bachelors of Arts|BA]])
| alma_mater = [[Juniata College]] ([[Bachelors of Arts|BA]])
| occupation = Journalist and political activist
| occupation = Journalist and political activist
}}
}}


'''Benjamin R. Waxman''' (born February 9, 1985) is an American journalist, progressive activist and politician. He is the Representative for [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 182|District 182]] of the [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives]]. Waxman previously served as an editorial writer for ''[[The Philadelphia Daily News]]'' and a reporter for [[WHYY-FM]] and as a political aide to State Senator [[Vincent Hughes]] and Philadelphia District Attorney [[Larry Krasner]].<ref name="Exponent">{{cite web |last=Saffren |first=Jarrad |title=Ben Waxman Announces State Rep Candidacy |url=https://www.jewishexponent.com/2021/11/04/ben-waxman-announces-state-rep-candidacy/|website=[[The Jewish Exponent]]}}</ref><ref name="BillyPenn">{{cite web |last=Prihar |first=Asha |title=Philly's state legislative races were kind of wild this year, but the primary ended up bringing few surprises|url=https://billypenn.com/2022/05/17/midterm-primary-results-philadelphia-pennsylvania-house-senate-democrats/|website=Billy Penn}}</ref>
'''Benjamin R. Waxman''' (born February 9, 1985) is an American journalist, progressive activist and politician. He is the Representative for [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 182|District 182]] of the [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives]]. Waxman previously served as an editorial writer for ''[[The Philadelphia Daily News]]'' and a reporter for [[WHYY-FM]] and as a political aide to State Senator [[Vincent Hughes]] and Philadelphia District Attorney [[Larry Krasner]].<ref name="Saffren">{{cite web |last=Saffren |first=Jarrad |title=Ben Waxman Announces State Rep Candidacy |url=https://www.jewishexponent.com/2021/11/04/ben-waxman-announces-state-rep-candidacy/ |website=[[The Jewish Exponent]]}}</ref><ref name="Prihar">{{cite web |last=Prihar |first=Asha |title=Philly's state legislative races were kind of wild this year, but the primary ended up bringing few surprises |url=https://billypenn.com/2022/05/17/midterm-primary-results-philadelphia-pennsylvania-house-senate-democrats/ |website=Billy Penn}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
== Early life and education ==
Waxman was raised in [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]. Raised in an apolitical family, his father Michael is a realtor and his mother Barbara Buonocore worked as a nurse.<ref name="HS" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/fashion/weddings/julie-wertheimer-benjamin-waxman.html|title=Julie Wertheimer, Benjamin Waxman|date=November 23, 2015|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Waxman's father owned a glass business in [[Germantown, Philadelphia]], which closed, in part, after [[The Home Depot]] opened competing stores in the area.<ref name="HS" /> He credits the incident as shaping his political outlook.<ref name="HS" /> Waxman became involved with activism at a young age and as a high schooler, he served as a leader of Unite for Peace, an anti-war organization in Philadelphia that was created following the [[September 11th attacks]].<ref name="HS">{{cite web |url=https://mycitypaper.com/articles/2003-05-29/cover.shtml|title=The Rebel|last=Brook |first=Daniel|date=May 29, 2003|publisher=[[Philadelphia City Paper]]}}</ref> Additionally, Waxman served on the board of Pennsylvania Abolitionists United Against the Death Penalty.<ref name="HS" /> He graduated from [[Springfield Township High School]] in 2003.<ref name="HS" /><ref name="Exponent" /> He received a college scholarship from the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] for his work in opposition to the death penalty.<ref name="HS" /> Waxman attended [[Juniata College]] and graduated in 2007.<ref name="HS" />
Waxman was raised in [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]. Raised in an apolitical family, his father Michael is a realtor and his mother Barbara Buonocore worked as a nurse.<ref name="Brook 2003" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/fashion/weddings/julie-wertheimer-benjamin-waxman.html |title=Julie Wertheimer, Benjamin Waxman |date=November 23, 2015 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Waxman's father owned a glass business in [[Germantown, Philadelphia]], which closed, in part, after [[The Home Depot]] opened competing stores in the area.<ref name="Brook 2003" /> He credits the incident as shaping his political outlook.<ref name="Brook 2003" /> Waxman became involved with activism at a young age and as a high schooler, he served as a leader of Unite for Peace, an anti-war organization in Philadelphia that was created following the [[September 11th attacks]].<ref name="Brook 2003">{{cite web |url=https://mycitypaper.com/articles/2003-05-29/cover.shtml |title=The Rebel |last=Brook |first=Daniel |date=May 29, 2003 |publisher=[[Philadelphia City Paper]]}}</ref> Additionally, Waxman served on the board of Pennsylvania Abolitionists United Against the Death Penalty.<ref name="Brook 2003" /> He graduated from [[Springfield Township High School]] in 2003.<ref name="Brook 2003" /><ref name="Saffren" /> He received a college scholarship from the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] for his work in opposition to the death penalty.<ref name="Brook 2003" /> Waxman attended [[Juniata College]] and graduated in 2007.<ref name="Brook 2003" />


==Career==
== Career ==
===Journalism career===
=== Journalism career ===
As a college student, Waxman wrote left-leaning opinion pieces for ''The Huntingdon Daily News'' and served as a Field Reporter for [[Generation Progress]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://genprogress.org/betting-on-the-future-youth-and-the-labor-movement/|title=Betting on the Future: Youth and the Labor Movement|date=March 14, 2005|publisher=[[Generation Progress]]}}</ref> These experiences lead to him becoming a journalist after college.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cityandstatepa.com/content/meet-inaugural-40-under-40-rising-stars|title=Meet the Inaugural 40 Under 40 Rising Stars|date=December 16, 2016|publisher=[[City & State]]}}</ref> From 2008 to 2011, Waxman worked as an opinion columnist for ''[[The Philadelphia Daily News]]'' and as a reporter [[WHYY-FM]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/our-money/The_State_Budget-Cut_Domino_Effect.html |title=The State Budget-Cut Domino Effect|last=Waxman |first=Ben|date=March 3, 2011 |website=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|quote=Ben Waxman reports for "It's Our Money," a joint project between the Daily News and WHYY, funded by the William Penn Foundation.}}</ref> He focused on covering stories relating to city government and the flow of funds between state and local institutions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whyy.org/episodes/catching-up-on-philadelphia-news-with-paul-davies-ben-waxman-2/|title=Catching up on Philadelphia news with Paul Davies & Ben Waxman|date=October 6, 2010|publisher=[[WHYY-FM]]}}</ref> While with ''The Philadelphia Daily News'', Waxman wrote multiple editorials in favor of marriage equality and the need for Pennsylvania to pass a non-discrimination law.<ref name="PhillyMag">{{cite web |url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2016/02/25/candidate-ben-waxman-lgbtq-ally/|title=State House Candidate Ben Waxman on Running as an LGBTQ Ally|date=February 25, 2016|publisher=Philadelphia Magazine}}</ref>
As a college student, Waxman wrote left-leaning opinion pieces for ''The Huntingdon Daily News'' and served as a Field Reporter for [[Generation Progress]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://genprogress.org/betting-on-the-future-youth-and-the-labor-movement/ |title=Betting on the Future: Youth and the Labor Movement |date=March 14, 2005 |publisher=[[Generation Progress]]}}</ref> These experiences lead to him becoming a journalist after college.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cityandstatepa.com/content/meet-inaugural-40-under-40-rising-stars |title=Meet the Inaugural 40 Under 40 Rising Stars |date=December 16, 2016 |publisher=[[City & State]]}}</ref> From 2008 to 2011, Waxman worked as an opinion columnist for ''[[The Philadelphia Daily News]]'' and as a reporter [[WHYY-FM]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/our-money/The_State_Budget-Cut_Domino_Effect.html |title=The State Budget-Cut Domino Effect |last=Waxman |first=Ben |date=March 3, 2011 |website=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] | quote=Ben Waxman reports for "It's Our Money," a joint project between the Daily News and WHYY, funded by the William Penn Foundation.}}</ref> He focused on covering stories relating to city government and the flow of funds between state and local institutions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whyy.org/episodes/catching-up-on-philadelphia-news-with-paul-davies-ben-waxman-2/ |title=Catching up on Philadelphia news with Paul Davies & Ben Waxman |date=October 6, 2010 |publisher=[[WHYY-FM]]}}</ref> While with ''The Philadelphia Daily News'', Waxman wrote multiple editorials in favor of marriage equality and the need for Pennsylvania to pass a non-discrimination law.<ref name="Philadelphia Magazine 2016">{{cite web |url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2016/02/25/candidate-ben-waxman-lgbtq-ally/ |title=State House Candidate Ben Waxman on Running as an LGBTQ Ally |date=February 25, 2016 |work=Philadelphia Magazine}}</ref>


===Press Secretary for Vincent Hughes===
=== Press Secretary for Vincent Hughes ===
In 2013, Waxman was named Press Secretary for Pennsylvania State Senator [[Vincent Hughes]], who represents [[Pennsylvania Senate, District 7|District 7]] which includes Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.<ref name="Yahoo">{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/da-krasners-spokesman-ben-waxman-034853423.html|title=Senate GOP does some smartphone sleuthing watching Sen. Scott Wagner's posters|last=Wilson|first=Mary|date=July 15, 2015|website=ydr.com|publisher=[[York Daily Record]]}}</ref> Waxman's work for Hughes was mainly focused on the Appropriation's Committee.<ref name="Exponent" /> While working for Hughes, Waxman also served as Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.phillytrib.com/news/city-launches-commercial-corridor-outreach-plan/article_98573e15-04e9-58bb-8c55-e57c849a287a.html|title=City launches commercial corridor outreach plan|date=February 12, 2016|website=[[Philadelphia Tribune]]}}</ref> Waxman left this position in February 2017 to join [[Larry Krasner|Larry Krasner's]] campaign for [[Philadelphia District Attorney]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/da-krasners-spokesman-ben-waxman-034853423.html|title=DA Krasner's Spokesman Ben Waxman to Leave Office Next Month|date=April 17, 2019|website=[[Yahoo News]]}}</ref>
In 2013, Waxman was named Press Secretary for Pennsylvania State Senator [[Vincent Hughes]], who represents [[Pennsylvania Senate, District 7|District 7]] which includes Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.<ref name="Wilson 2015">{{Cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/da-krasners-spokesman-ben-waxman-034853423.html |title=Senate GOP does some smartphone sleuthing watching Sen. Scott Wagner's posters |last=Wilson |first=Mary |date=July 15, 2015 |website=ydr.com |publisher=[[York Daily Record]]}}</ref> Waxman's work for Hughes was mainly focused on the Appropriation's Committee.<ref name="Saffren" /> While working for Hughes, Waxman also served as Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.phillytrib.com/news/city-launches-commercial-corridor-outreach-plan/article_98573e15-04e9-58bb-8c55-e57c849a287a.html |title=City launches commercial corridor outreach plan |date=February 12, 2016 |website=[[Philadelphia Tribune]]}}</ref> Waxman left this position in February 2017 to join [[Larry Krasner]]'s campaign for [[Philadelphia District Attorney]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/da-krasners-spokesman-ben-waxman-034853423.html |title=DA Krasner's Spokesman Ben Waxman to Leave Office Next Month |date=April 17, 2019 |website=[[Yahoo News]]}}</ref>


===Communications Director for Larry Krasner===
=== Communications Director for Larry Krasner ===
Krasner was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia in 2017 and inaugurated in January 2018. As District Attorney, Krasner garnered national attention for his efforts to spearhead criminal justice reform. Waxman served as the Krasner's spokesperson and Director of Communications from January 2018 to May 2019<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.phillyvoice.com/obama-voters-philadelphia-elect-larry-krasner-district-attorney/|title=Obama to voters: 'Do what they just did in Philadelphia' by electing Larry Krasner |last=Herman |first=Adam|date=September 7, 2018|publisher=Philly Voice}}</ref> In this role, Waxman was often on the frontlines of pushing back against Krasner's critics, who believed Krasner's policies were responsible for violent crime and the rise in homicides in Philadelphia.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/guest-commentary-searching-for-the-krasner-backlash/|title=Searching for the Krasner backlash|last=Waxman |first=Ben|date=November 11, 2019|website=thephiladelphiacitizen.org|publisher=The Philadelphia Citizens|quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.phillymag.com/news/2019/05/10/larry-krasner-axios-drug-policy-wrong/|title=DA's Office to Axios: You Got Our Drug Arrest Policy Completely Wrong|last=Murrell |first=David|date=May 10, 2019|website=phillymag.org|publisher=Philadelphia Magazine}}</ref> He also advised on Krasner on sentencing reform.<ref name="Exponent" /> Waxman was featured in the 2021 documentary ''[[Philly D.A.]]'' that chronicled the Krasner administration.<ref name="IMDb" /> Waxman left his role as Communications Director for Krasner to focus full time on his consulting firm A. Waxman & Company where he helped advise Krasner's successful re-election bid in 2020.<ref name="Yahoo" /><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/19/us/krasner-vega-philadelphia.html|title=Victory in Philadelphia Buoys Supporters of Progressive District Attorney|
Krasner was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia in 2017 and inaugurated in January 2018. As District Attorney, Krasner garnered national attention for his efforts to spearhead criminal justice reform. Waxman served as the Krasner's spokesperson and Director of Communications from January 2018 to May 2019<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/obama-voters-philadelphia-elect-larry-krasner-district-attorney/ |title=Obama to voters: 'Do what they just did in Philadelphia' by electing Larry Krasner |last=Herman |first=Adam |date=September 7, 2018 |publisher=Philly Voice}}</ref> In this role, Waxman was often on the frontlines of pushing back against Krasner's critics, who believed Krasner's policies were responsible for violent crime and the rise in homicides in Philadelphia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/guest-commentary-searching-for-the-krasner-backlash/ |title=Searching for the Krasner backlash |last=Waxman |first=Ben |date=November 11, 2019 |website=thephiladelphiacitizen.org |publisher=The Philadelphia Citizens}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2019/05/10/larry-krasner-axios-drug-policy-wrong/ |title=DA's Office to Axios: You Got Our Drug Arrest Policy Completely Wrong |last=Murrell |first=David |date=May 10, 2019 |work=Philadelphia Magazine}}</ref> He also advised on Krasner on sentencing reform.<ref name="Saffren" /> Waxman was featured in the 2021 documentary ''[[Philly D.A.]]'' that chronicled the Krasner administration.<ref name="IMDb" /> Waxman left his role as Communications Director for Krasner to focus full time on his consulting firm A. Waxman & Company where he helped advise Krasner's successful re-election bid in 2020.<ref name="Wilson 2015" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/19/us/krasner-vega-philadelphia.html |title=Victory in Philadelphia Buoys Supporters of Progressive District Attorney |last=Hurdle |first=Jon |date=May 19, 2021 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
last=Hurdle |first=Jon|date=May 19, 2021|website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


===Campaigns for State Representative===
=== Campaigns for State Representative ===
====2016====
==== 2016 ====
In 2016, Waxman announced he would run for Pennsylvania State Representative in [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 182|District 182]] in a primary challenge against Democratic incumbent [[Brian Sims]].<ref name="PhillyMag" /> Waxman's campaigned centered around increased funding for Philadelphia's public schools and he was endorsed by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.<ref name="PhillyMag" /> In a close race, Sims defeated Waxman by about 6% of the vote.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/elections/2016/by_state/PA_Page_0426.html?SITE=AP&SECTION=POLITICS|title=Pennsylvania - Summary Vote Results|date=April 26, 2016|accessdate=April 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430020523/http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/elections/2016/by_state/PA_Page_0426.html?SITE=AP&SECTION=POLITICS|archive-date=April 30, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2016, Waxman announced he would run for Pennsylvania State Representative in [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 182|District 182]] in a primary challenge against Democratic incumbent [[Brian Sims]].<ref name="Philadelphia Magazine 2016" /> Waxman's campaigned centered around increased funding for Philadelphia's public schools and he was endorsed by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.<ref name="Philadelphia Magazine 2016" /> In a close race, Sims defeated Waxman by about 6% of the vote.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/elections/2016/by_state/PA_Page_0426.html?SITE=AP&SECTION=POLITICS |title=Pennsylvania – Summary Vote Results |date=April 26, 2016 |accessdate=April 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430020523/http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/elections/2016/by_state/PA_Page_0426.html?SITE=AP&SECTION=POLITICS |archive-date=April 30, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>


====2022====
==== 2022 ====
Sims announced that he would not be running for re-election and instead would run for [[Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania|Lieutenant Governor]]. With the seat open, Waxman announced that he would once again run for State Representative in the 182nd District.<ref name="Exponent" /> Waxman's platform is centered around a post-[[COVID-19]] economic recovery, that takes into account equality, for Philadelphia.<ref name="Exponent" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://epgn.com/2022/02/17/democratic-candidates-vie-to-represent-the-gayborhood-in-pa-house-race/|title=Democratic candidates vie to represent the Gayborhood in Pa. House race|last=Zipkin|first=Michelle|date=February 17, 2022|website=Philadelphia Gay News}}</ref> His campaign has been endorsed by Krasner, State Representative [[Morgan Cephas]] and Philadelphia City Councilmembers [[Maria Quiñones-Sánchez]] and [[Kenyatta Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cityandstatepa.com/content/waxman-other-dems-join-crowded-race-182nd-district-house-seat|title=Waxman, other Dems join crowded race for 182nd District House seat|last=Cann|first=Harrison|date=November 10, 2021|website=[[City & State]]}}</ref> In a four way race, Waxman won the Democratic nomination, with 41% of the vote.<ref name="BillyPenn" /> In the heavily Democratic district, he faced Albert Robles Montas in the November, 2022 general election and was elected with 89% of the vote.
Sims announced that he would not be running for re-election and instead would run for [[Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania|Lieutenant Governor]]. With the seat open, Waxman announced that he would once again run for state representative in the 182nd District.<ref name="Saffren" /> Waxman's platform is centered around a post-[[COVID-19]] economic recovery, that takes into account equality, for Philadelphia.<ref name="Saffren" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://epgn.com/2022/02/17/democratic-candidates-vie-to-represent-the-gayborhood-in-pa-house-race/ |title=Democratic candidates vie to represent the Gayborhood in Pa. House race |last=Zipkin |first=Michelle |date=February 17, 2022 |website=Philadelphia Gay News}}</ref> His campaign has been endorsed by Krasner, State Representative [[Morgan Cephas]] and Philadelphia City Councilmembers [[Maria Quiñones-Sánchez]] and [[Kenyatta Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cityandstatepa.com/content/waxman-other-dems-join-crowded-race-182nd-district-house-seat |title=Waxman, other Dems join crowded race for 182nd District House seat |last=Cann |first=Harrison |date=November 10, 2021 |website=[[City & State]]}}</ref> In a four way race, Waxman won the Democratic nomination, with 41% of the vote.<ref name="Prihar" /> In the heavily Democratic district, he faced Albert Robles Montas in the November 2022 general election and was elected with 89% of the vote.


==Personal life==
== Personal life ==
Waxman's father is [[Jewish]]. Waxman's mother converted from Catholicism to become a [[Quaker]] before he was born.<ref name="HS" /> Waxman is a practicing [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative Jew]], who keeps kosher and is a member of Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel in Philadelphia.<ref name="HS" /> He is married to Julie Wertheimer,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/fashion/weddings/julie-wertheimer-benjamin-waxman.html | title=Julie Wertheimer, Benjamin Waxman | newspaper=The New York Times | date=23 November 2014 }}</ref> a former Philadelphia city government official<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/articles/news/julie-wertheimer-leaves-city-government-after-12-years | title=Julie Wertheimer leaves city government after 12 years | date=9 November 2019 }}</ref> and current director at the [[The Pew Charitable Trusts|Pew Charitable Trusts]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/about/experts/julie-wertheimer | title=Julie Wertheimer }}</ref>
Waxman's father is [[Jewish]]. Waxman's mother converted from Catholicism to become a [[Quaker]] before he was born.<ref name="Brook 2003" /> Waxman is a practicing [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative Jew]], who keeps kosher and is a member of Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel in Philadelphia.<ref name="Brook 2003" /> He is married to Julie Wertheimer,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/fashion/weddings/julie-wertheimer-benjamin-waxman.html |title=Julie Wertheimer, Benjamin Waxman |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 23, 2014}}</ref> a former Philadelphia city government official<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/articles/news/julie-wertheimer-leaves-city-government-after-12-years |title=Julie Wertheimer leaves city government after 12 years |date=November 9, 2019}}</ref> and current director at the [[The Pew Charitable Trusts|Pew Charitable Trusts]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/about/experts/julie-wertheimer |title=Julie Wertheimer}}</ref>


At the age of 20, Waxman was diagnosed with [[bipolar disorder]] and following the [[2019 El Paso shooting]], Waxman disclosed his own illness publicly after then-President [[Donald Trump]] blamed mental illness for the mass shooting. Writing for [[PoliticsPA]], Waxman said that such rhetoric leads those who can be assisted to "hide their illnesses and not seek the treatment they need."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.politicspa.com/ben-waxman-trump-blaming-mass-shootings-on-mental-illness-is-dangerous-and-wrong/92056/|title=Trump Blaming Mass Shootings on Mental Illness is Dangerous and Wrong|last=Waxman |first=Ben|date=August 19, 2019|website=politicspa.com|publisher=[[PoliticsPA]]|quote=}}</ref>
At the age of 20, Waxman was diagnosed with [[bipolar disorder]] and following the [[2019 El Paso shooting]], Waxman disclosed his own illness publicly after then-President [[Donald Trump]] blamed mental illness for the mass shooting. Writing for [[PoliticsPA]], Waxman said that such rhetoric leads those who can be assisted to "hide their illnesses and not seek the treatment they need."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.politicspa.com/ben-waxman-trump-blaming-mass-shootings-on-mental-illness-is-dangerous-and-wrong/92056/ |title=Trump Blaming Mass Shootings on Mental Illness is Dangerous and Wrong |last=Waxman |first=Ben |date=August 19, 2019 |website=politicspa.com |publisher=[[PoliticsPA]]}}</ref>


==Filmography==
== Filmography ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Television
|+ Television
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! class="unsortable" style="width:20em;" | Notes
! class="unsortable" style="width:20em;" | Notes
|-
|-
|2021
| 2021
|''[[Philly D.A.]]''
| ''[[Philly D.A.]]''
|Himself
| Himself
|8-part TV Series<ref name="IMDb">{{cite web |title=Ben Waxman|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13622188/characters/nm12525397?ref_=tt_cl_c_4|website=[[IMDb]]}}</ref>
| 8-part TV Series<ref name="IMDb">{{cite web |title=Ben Waxman |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13622188/characters/nm12525397?ref_=tt_cl_c_4 |publisher=[[IMDb]]}}</ref>
|-
|}
|}


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Waxman, Ben}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Waxman, Ben}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:21st-century American politicians]]
[[Category:American political journalists]]
[[Category:American political journalists]]
[[Category:Candidates in the 2022 United States elections]]
[[Category:Candidates in the 2022 United States elections]]
[[Category:Juniata College alumni]]
[[Category:Juniata College alumni]]
[[Category:Left-wing politics in the United States]]
[[Category:Left-wing politics in the United States]]
⚫
[[Category:Living people]]
⚫
[[Category:Pennsylvania Democrats]]
[[Category:People from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:People from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Progressivism in the United States]]
[[Category:Progressivism in the United States]]
⚫
[[Category:Pennsylvania Democrats]]
⚫
[[Category:1985 births]]

Latest revision as of 21:28, 25 November 2024

Ben Waxman
Waxman in 2015
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 182nd district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2023 (2023-01-03)
Preceded byBrian Sims
Personal details
Born
Benjamin R. Waxman

(1985-02-09) February 9, 1985 (age 39)
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseJulie Wertheimer
Residence(s)Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alma materJuniata College (BA)
OccupationJournalist and political activist

Benjamin R. Waxman (born February 9, 1985) is an American journalist, progressive activist and politician. He is the Representative for District 182 of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Waxman previously served as an editorial writer for The Philadelphia Daily News and a reporter for WHYY-FM and as a political aide to State Senator Vincent Hughes and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.[1][2]

Early life and education

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Waxman was raised in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Raised in an apolitical family, his father Michael is a realtor and his mother Barbara Buonocore worked as a nurse.[3][4] Waxman's father owned a glass business in Germantown, Philadelphia, which closed, in part, after The Home Depot opened competing stores in the area.[3] He credits the incident as shaping his political outlook.[3] Waxman became involved with activism at a young age and as a high schooler, he served as a leader of Unite for Peace, an anti-war organization in Philadelphia that was created following the September 11th attacks.[3] Additionally, Waxman served on the board of Pennsylvania Abolitionists United Against the Death Penalty.[3] He graduated from Springfield Township High School in 2003.[3][1] He received a college scholarship from the American Civil Liberties Union for his work in opposition to the death penalty.[3] Waxman attended Juniata College and graduated in 2007.[3]

Career

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Journalism career

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As a college student, Waxman wrote left-leaning opinion pieces for The Huntingdon Daily News and served as a Field Reporter for Generation Progress.[5] These experiences lead to him becoming a journalist after college.[6] From 2008 to 2011, Waxman worked as an opinion columnist for The Philadelphia Daily News and as a reporter WHYY-FM.[7] He focused on covering stories relating to city government and the flow of funds between state and local institutions.[8] While with The Philadelphia Daily News, Waxman wrote multiple editorials in favor of marriage equality and the need for Pennsylvania to pass a non-discrimination law.[9]

Press Secretary for Vincent Hughes

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In 2013, Waxman was named Press Secretary for Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, who represents District 7 which includes Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.[10] Waxman's work for Hughes was mainly focused on the Appropriation's Committee.[1] While working for Hughes, Waxman also served as Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus.[11] Waxman left this position in February 2017 to join Larry Krasner's campaign for Philadelphia District Attorney.[12]

Communications Director for Larry Krasner

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Krasner was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia in 2017 and inaugurated in January 2018. As District Attorney, Krasner garnered national attention for his efforts to spearhead criminal justice reform. Waxman served as the Krasner's spokesperson and Director of Communications from January 2018 to May 2019[13] In this role, Waxman was often on the frontlines of pushing back against Krasner's critics, who believed Krasner's policies were responsible for violent crime and the rise in homicides in Philadelphia.[14][15] He also advised on Krasner on sentencing reform.[1] Waxman was featured in the 2021 documentary Philly D.A. that chronicled the Krasner administration.[16] Waxman left his role as Communications Director for Krasner to focus full time on his consulting firm A. Waxman & Company where he helped advise Krasner's successful re-election bid in 2020.[10][17]

Campaigns for State Representative

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2016

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In 2016, Waxman announced he would run for Pennsylvania State Representative in District 182 in a primary challenge against Democratic incumbent Brian Sims.[9] Waxman's campaigned centered around increased funding for Philadelphia's public schools and he was endorsed by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.[9] In a close race, Sims defeated Waxman by about 6% of the vote.[18]

2022

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Sims announced that he would not be running for re-election and instead would run for Lieutenant Governor. With the seat open, Waxman announced that he would once again run for state representative in the 182nd District.[1] Waxman's platform is centered around a post-COVID-19 economic recovery, that takes into account equality, for Philadelphia.[1][19] His campaign has been endorsed by Krasner, State Representative Morgan Cephas and Philadelphia City Councilmembers Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Kenyatta Johnson.[20] In a four way race, Waxman won the Democratic nomination, with 41% of the vote.[2] In the heavily Democratic district, he faced Albert Robles Montas in the November 2022 general election and was elected with 89% of the vote.

Personal life

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Waxman's father is Jewish. Waxman's mother converted from Catholicism to become a Quaker before he was born.[3] Waxman is a practicing Conservative Jew, who keeps kosher and is a member of Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel in Philadelphia.[3] He is married to Julie Wertheimer,[21] a former Philadelphia city government official[22] and current director at the Pew Charitable Trusts.[23]

At the age of 20, Waxman was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and following the 2019 El Paso shooting, Waxman disclosed his own illness publicly after then-President Donald Trump blamed mental illness for the mass shooting. Writing for PoliticsPA, Waxman said that such rhetoric leads those who can be assisted to "hide their illnesses and not seek the treatment they need."[24]

Filmography

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Television
Year Title Role Notes
2021 Philly D.A. Himself 8-part TV Series[16]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Saffren, Jarrad. "Ben Waxman Announces State Rep Candidacy". The Jewish Exponent.
  2. ^ a b Prihar, Asha. "Philly's state legislative races were kind of wild this year, but the primary ended up bringing few surprises". Billy Penn.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Brook, Daniel (May 29, 2003). "The Rebel". Philadelphia City Paper.
  4. ^ "Julie Wertheimer, Benjamin Waxman". The New York Times. November 23, 2015.
  5. ^ "Betting on the Future: Youth and the Labor Movement". Generation Progress. March 14, 2005.
  6. ^ "Meet the Inaugural 40 Under 40 Rising Stars". City & State. December 16, 2016.
  7. ^ Waxman, Ben (March 3, 2011). "The State Budget-Cut Domino Effect". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Ben Waxman reports for "It's Our Money," a joint project between the Daily News and WHYY, funded by the William Penn Foundation.
  8. ^ "Catching up on Philadelphia news with Paul Davies & Ben Waxman". WHYY-FM. October 6, 2010.
  9. ^ a b c "State House Candidate Ben Waxman on Running as an LGBTQ Ally". Philadelphia Magazine. February 25, 2016.
  10. ^ a b Wilson, Mary (July 15, 2015). "Senate GOP does some smartphone sleuthing watching Sen. Scott Wagner's posters". ydr.com. York Daily Record.
  11. ^ "City launches commercial corridor outreach plan". Philadelphia Tribune. February 12, 2016.
  12. ^ "DA Krasner's Spokesman Ben Waxman to Leave Office Next Month". Yahoo News. April 17, 2019.
  13. ^ Herman, Adam (September 7, 2018). "Obama to voters: 'Do what they just did in Philadelphia' by electing Larry Krasner". Philly Voice.
  14. ^ Waxman, Ben (November 11, 2019). "Searching for the Krasner backlash". thephiladelphiacitizen.org. The Philadelphia Citizens.
  15. ^ Murrell, David (May 10, 2019). "DA's Office to Axios: You Got Our Drug Arrest Policy Completely Wrong". Philadelphia Magazine.
  16. ^ a b "Ben Waxman". IMDb.
  17. ^ Hurdle, Jon (May 19, 2021). "Victory in Philadelphia Buoys Supporters of Progressive District Attorney". The New York Times.
  18. ^ "Pennsylvania – Summary Vote Results". Associated Press. April 26, 2016. Archived from the original on April 30, 2016. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  19. ^ Zipkin, Michelle (February 17, 2022). "Democratic candidates vie to represent the Gayborhood in Pa. House race". Philadelphia Gay News.
  20. ^ Cann, Harrison (November 10, 2021). "Waxman, other Dems join crowded race for 182nd District House seat". City & State.
  21. ^ "Julie Wertheimer, Benjamin Waxman". The New York Times. November 23, 2014.
  22. ^ "Julie Wertheimer leaves city government after 12 years". November 9, 2019.
  23. ^ "Julie Wertheimer".
  24. ^ Waxman, Ben (August 19, 2019). "Trump Blaming Mass Shootings on Mental Illness is Dangerous and Wrong". politicspa.com. PoliticsPA.
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