Decision 2020

What you need to know about Gov. Tom Wolf

Gov. Tom Wolf is seeking re-election in November, and is touting his record of investment in education, protection of the environment and pushing for workforce development on the campaign trail.

Wolf, 69, grew up in York County. He's earned degrees from Dartmouth College, the University of London and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also spent two years in India as a member of the Peace Corps while in college.

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He began his career in the family business, the Wolf Organization, which distributes kitchen, bath and building supplies, before taking it over in 1985.

He sold the company in 2006 and a year later began serving as the state secretary of revenue under former Gov. Ed Rendell. He resigned in November 2008 and reacquired the Wolf Organization, where he worked as an executive until his election as the state's 47th governor in 2014.

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Wolf has refused a state salary or pension, and chose to commute from York rather than live in the governor's residence. He successfully fought prostate cancer in 2016.

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Wolf has battled the Republican-led Legislature over state spending, gas drilling regulations and the privatization of the state's liquor stores. For more than five months during 2015-16, the state operated without a full budget, the longest such period in Pennsylvania history.

The opioid crisis led Wolf to declare a statewide emergency in January, and he signed the bill legalizing medical marijuana in the state. He wants the minimum wage increased to $12 an hour.

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He was uncontested in the primary election and lieutenant governor candidate and Braddock Mayor John Fetterman joined him on the Democratic ticket.

Wolf married his wife, Frances, in 1975. They have two daughters.

Cox Media Group

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