How Can We Help?
< Back

Ismail "Izzy" Smith-Wade-El is an American politician serving as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 49th district. Elected in November 2022, he assumed office on December 1, 2022.

Early life and education

Smith-Wade-El was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El (1948-2018), a professor of psychology and African-American studies at Millersville University.[1][2] He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre and anthropology from Carnegie Mellon University in 2014.[3]

Career

Smith-Wade-El served as a member of the Lancaster City Council from 2017 until his resignation in 2022 following his election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He also worked as a program specialist at the Lancaster County Homeless Coalition.[2] Smith-Wade-El was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in November 2022, becoming the first black and first LGBTQ representative for the 49th district.[4][5]

Personal life

Smith-Wade-El is Catholic[2] and identifies as queer.[3]

References

  1. ^ Kacskos, Janet (December 29, 2018). "Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El: 1948-2018". Millersville News. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El | Biography". www.pahouse.com. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Andrelczyk, Mike. "Meet Izzy Smith-Wade-El, Lancaster's first Black, queer Pa. state representative". LancasterOnline. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  4. ^ "Ismail Smith-Wade-El". Ballotpedia. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  5. ^ "Honoring Black History: Ismail Smith-Wade-El". ABC27. February 6, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
Categories
Table of Contents