Biography

02/07/1953 -

John C. Rafferty, Jr. (R44) Berks (Part), Chester (Part) and Montgomery (Part) Counties 2002-2018 

Early Life:

John C. Rafferty, Jr., born February 7, 1953, Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; son of John Sr. and Rita B. Rafferty; Methacton High School, 1971; University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown (B.A.), history, politics, 1975; Beavers College (M.A.), history, English, 1984; Temple University School of Law (J.D.), 1988; member, Methacton School Board, 1980-1984; member, North Montco Vo-Tech Joint School Authority, 1981-1984; member, Lower Providence Township Board of Supervisors; Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, eight years; Deputy Attorney General for the Commonwealth, 1988-1991; elected, Republican, Pennsylvania State Senate 2002-2018; unsuccessful campaign, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, 2016; appointed, Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 2019-2021, reappointed, term expires April 1, 2025; of counsel, Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell and Lupin. 

Early Career:

Member, Society of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, Pennsylvania; Chester County Bar Association, Perkiomen Valley Watershed Association, Philadelphia/Chester County Emerald Society, Southeastern Veterans Center Advice Council. 

Awards:

Delaware Valley Industrial Painters Alliance Painters District Council 21 Award of Recognition- 2016; Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility Leadership Award- 2016; Chester County District Attorney’s Office District Attorney Commendation- 2015; Montgomery County Community College President’s Award- 2014; Chester County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award- 2014; Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania Heavy Highway Construction Industry Advancement Program Transportation Leadership Award- 2014; March of Dimes Service to Humanity Award- 2014; The Partnership Transportation Management Association Appreciation Award- 2014; Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association Legislative Leadership Award- 2014, 2013, 2010, 2007; Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry Salute to Leadership Award- 2014; Mothers Against Drunk Driving Legislature of the Year Award- 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013; National Federation of Independent Business Guardian of Small Business- 2014, 2012, 2010, 2004; Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Incorporation Legislature Leadership Award- 2013; King of Prussia District Leadership Award- 2013; Fraternal Order of Police Berks Lodge 71 Appreciation Award- 2013;, The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Legislator of the Year, 2012-2013.

Pennsylvania Politics:

Member, Methacton School Board, 1980-1984; member, North Montco Vo-Tech Joint School Authority, 1981-1984; member, Lower Providence Township Board of Supervisors; Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, eight years.

Elected, Republican, Pennsylvania State Senate, 44th district, Berks (Part), Chester (Part) and Montgomery (Part) Counties, 2002; committee assignments, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Intergovernmental Operations, Judiciary (Vice Chairman), Law and Justice, Transportation (Chairman); member, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, 2013; left office November 30, 2018; defeated, re-election, Democrat Katie Muth. 2018.   

Unsuccessful campaign, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, defeated, Democrat Josh Shapiro, 2016.  

Appointed, Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 2019- 2021, reappointed, term expires April 1, 2025.

Cited: 

The Pennsylvania Manual, (2017-2018). Bogden, S. (Editor).  McKain, A. (Editor). (Volume 123) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pages 3-36, 3-39; Biographies of Members of the Senate, page 3-21.