PHILADELPHIA, PA. State Senator Christine “Tina” Tartaglione is one of Pennsylvania’s most influential political leaders and a steadfast advocate for workers, people with disabilities, and communities throughout Northeast Philadelphia. Her distinguished career spans four decades of public service with 31 years as the longest-serving woman in the history of the Pennsylvania Senate. 

Representing Philadelphia’s 2nd Senatorial District in the Pennsylvania State Senate, her legacy continues a family tradition of dedication to improving Philadelphia democratic processes and conditions. Born and raised in Philadelphia in 1960, Senator Tartaglione is the daughter of the late Eugene Tartaglione and Margaret Tartaglione, a well-known political leader in the city who oversaw elections and vote registration as city commissioner for 36 years.

Following in these pioneering footsteps, Tina herself embarked on a career centered on community service after graduating with high honors from Peirce College. Beginning in 1986 as an assistant to Philadelphia City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, she later served as Senior Executive Assistant to State Treasurer Catherine Baker Knoll and, in 1992, became a Business Representative for United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1776.

Tartaglione launched her political career by running for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1992. In 1994, she was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate, taking office in January 1995. She became the fifth woman ever elected to the Pennsylvania Senate and has since been reelected multiple times by the voters of her district.

Throughout her legislative career, Senator Tartaglione has earned recognition as a strong advocate for higher wages, workers’ rights, healthcare workforce development, public safety, and disability rights. She currently serves in Senate Democratic leadership as Minority Whip.

Her leadership also broke barriers for women in state government. Tartaglione became the first woman to serve in the Senate Democratic leadership team and later made history as the first woman to hold the position of Senate Democratic Whip, one of the highest-ranking leadership roles in the Pennsylvania Senate.

As she celebrates 40 years of public service in 2026, Senator Tartaglione continues to be an influential voice for working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and underserved communities. In recognition of her historic tenure as the longest-serving woman in the history of the Pennsylvania State Senate, she was honored by Esperanza, a multi-services agency which is also celebrating its 40th anniversary of commitment to transforming lives of local North Philadelphians this year.

The nonprofit organization founded by the Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia and the Rev. Luis Cortes, Jr. praised her history-making accomplishments:

«Your leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people of Pennsylvania have left an indelible mark on our Commonwealth’s history.»

 There is an ongoing need for leadership to represent the needs of residents in times of change. Working together with community stakeholders, Tina’s legacy shows that elected officials cannot just enter for a season but remain steady in their commitment and sparking gratitude and admiration.