PA State Senate Results: Andy Dinniman Defeats Jack London

Update: 12:01 a.m. State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-PA) has defeated Republican challenger Jack London. He won 69,642 votes to London's 53,147, with 217 of 228 precincts reporting.

Original story: Current Pennsylvania State Senator Andy Dinniman is facing a challenge in the 19th District from Republican Jack London, a local businessman.

London, a former police officer, launched his own company, the London Financial Group, and has worked for companies like New York Life, GE Financial, and Siemens Financial. London graduated from Temple University and William Penn Charter School.

Dinninman is a former teacher and education leader. He graduated from the University of Connecticut before receiving a masters from the University of Maryland and a doctorate in education from Penn State University. Dinniman has been recognized for his work on animal abuse and environmental legislation. He works on the following committees: Education, Agriculture, Environmental Resources, Public Health and Welfare, State Government, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness.

London is running on an anti "special interests" campaign, and pledges to eliminate the Keystone Exams, privatize liquor sales, limit property taxes, and improve infrastructure.

Dinniman is also against the Keystone Exams, and prioritizes environmental issues and human trafficking legislation reform.

In a statement on Election Day morning, London said that it had been "an honor" working with citizens throughout the election.

"It's been an honor and a privilege to go through this journey with you," he wrote. "To all those who knocked doors, made calls, stuffed bags, put out signs, raised money, attended events, and stood by me over the last year as I embarked on this journey, I do not have the words to adequately express my thanks. I am so humbled by the support. This is a one-of-a-kind experience and I am proud to have gone through it with all of you."

Dinniman has been in office since 2006.

Patch file photo.