A Pennsylvania Democratic state senator, Sen. Jimmy Dillon, was accused by Republicans of making racist and homophobic remarks on social media over a decade ago. The Pennsylvania Senate Republican Campaign Committee released screenshots of offensive tweets allegedly written by Dillon in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015. The tweets included the use of the n-word and disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ and Asian communities. Dillon denied writing the tweets, stating that he is not a big social media user and that if anything was posted on the account associated with his basketball academy, Hoops 24-7, it was without his knowledge.
Dillon, who won a special election in May 2022, is currently seeking reelection and will face a Republican nominee in November. The SRCC called for his condemnation and suggested his behavior should disqualify him from office. Dillon’s campaign dismissed the accusations as distractions, with a spokesperson emphasizing his advocacy for Black and LGBTQ individuals throughout his career. The Senate Democratic Campaign Committee also defended Dillon, stating that his record demonstrates his support for marginalized communities.
The origins of the offensive tweets remain unclear, with the Hoops 24-7 account frequently sharing posts from Dillon’s personal account. The accusations and denials highlight the tensions between the two parties in the lead-up to the election.
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