WEST CHESTER — Bill McSwain announced his candidacy Monday for Governor of Pennsylvania at an event in his hometown of West Chester. Surrounded by supporters and joined by his wife Stephanie and their children, McSwain pointed to his experience as US Attorney and his time in the US Marine Corps to describe himself as a tough-on-crime candidate who will do whatever necessary to ensure a safer, freer, and more prosperous Pennsylvania.
“I will fight with all the commitment I learned as a Marine and a prosecutor to protect the vulnerable and to restore freedom, public safety, and economic and educational opportunity,” McSwain said in a statement. “I will be a governor who will give the job every ounce of energy that I can muster…a governor who will not just show up for you, but stand up for you, your family, and your freedom.”
McSwain was joined Monday by Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, who spoke in support of McSwain and his legacy in Chester County:
“Throughout his career as a prosecutor and as a Marine, Bill McSwain has consistently faced tough fights and won. Bill is known in his hometown of West Chester for being an advocate for safety, security and economic growth,” Kichline said in a statement. “Those of us that know him in Chester County know that he will be a governor who will show up and stand up for the working families, law enforcement, and law abiding citizens all across Pennsylvania.”
Additional guest speakers at McSwain’s announcement event included Terri O’Connor, wife of Cpl. James O’Connor, and Andy Hicks, local business owner.
O’Connor shared how McSwain came to her aid after her husband, Philadelphia police officer Cpl. James O’Connor, was shot and killed in the line of duty.
“Bill McSwain was there in my family’s time of need. He promised to prosecute the case so that my husband’s killer would never be allowed back on the streets, and he delivered. As governor, Bill McSwain will fulfill his promise to restore law and order and ensure this will never happen to another family again. Pennsylvania needs a governor who is on the job 24/7, working to keep Pennsylvania families safe. Bill McSwain is that man.”
As President and Owner of Tripoint Properties, Inc., Hicks described how the harmful policies enacted by Gov. Tom Wolf have crippled the state’s economy, crushed small businesses, and stifled entrepreneurship.
“Lack of leadership, unpredictable mandates, and forced shutdowns have made it hard to run a successful business in Pennsylvania. We need the leadership of a strong, consistent governor who will help small businesses get back on their feet. I know that Bill McSwain will be that governor.”
Appointed by President Trump, McSwain’s record as US Attorney demonstrates his fierce defense of constitutional rights, dedication to upholding law and order, and history of putting criminals and corrupt politicians in jail.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Bill served as a scout/sniper platoon commander in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was born in Philadelphia and raised in Chester County, where he lives today with his wife, Stephanie, and their four children.
More information on McSwain’s background and platform is available here.