HARRISBURG, Pa. — Democratic Speaker Joanna McClinton was reinstated to lead the Pennsylvania House on Tuesday after a standstill broke when the Republican floor leader withdrew his candidacy. The Democrats achieved a total of 102 seats in the last election, resulting in a one-vote majority; however, one of their members missed the swearing-in ceremony due to a medical emergency.
After taking her oath of office, McClinton posed a thought-provoking question to her colleagues: “What will you be remembered for?” In the first vote for speaker, both McClinton and Republican Leader Jesse Topper secured 101 votes each. Following Topper’s decision to step aside, McClinton won the position in a subsequent voice vote.
Rep. Matthew Gergely experienced a severe medical emergency during the holidays, which required hospitalization and has left him unable to participate for the foreseeable future, as reported by Beth Rementer, a spokesperson for the House Democratic caucus. Gergely’s absence, alongside the slim majority margin and the Republican-controlled Senate, could create hurdles for first-term Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro in achieving his agenda this year. Throughout the last session, Democrats held the same 102-101 majority, but legislative accomplishments beyond the state budget were minimal.
Two years ago, Democrats took control of the chamber and successfully maintained it through special elections that filled vacancies. Notably, the recent elections did not result in any party shifts among the 203 House seats, ensuring that Democrats continue to hold a precarious majority.
House Democratic Leader Matt Bradford expressed gratitude towards Topper, who received a standing ovation for his service. He acknowledged the delicate balance in the House, urging members to stay humble and wise. In his own remarks, Topper wished Gergely a swift recovery and commented on the challenges of serving in the legislature, encouraging a focus on gratitude rather than frustration. “We often meet people during their toughest moments,” remarked Topper.
Leadership reports revealed that House Republicans have undergone changes since November, turning to Topper from Bedford County as their new floor leader. Topper, previously the ranking member on the Education Committee, succeeded former House Speaker Bryan Cutler, who remains a representative after being reelected in Lancaster County.
After the session, Topper informed reporters that he had negotiated several amendments to House rules to enhance minority party representation on committees and require an additional affirmative vote for bills to emerge from committees. Meanwhile, House Democrats welcomed five new members following various shifts, including retirements and successful campaigns for state Senate seats.
On the Republican side, Rep. Dawn Keefer transitioned to a state Senate seat in York County, while Rep. Ryan Mackenzie secured a victory against Democratic U.S. Representative Susan Wild. Additionally, Rep. Rob Mercuri chose not to run for re-election while pursuing a congressional bid unsuccessfully. Several other representatives also did not seek re-election or lost in the primaries, contributing to a reshaping of the Republican caucus.
In the state Senate, Republican Joe Picozzi unseated freshman Democratic Senator Jimmy Dillon in a Philadelphia district. Following Kim’s successful bid for a newly redistricted Harrisburg seat, Republicans maintained control of the chamber with a 28-22 margin, though there is a vacancy resulting from the resignation of Sen. Ryan Aument, a Lancaster Republican, who departed to take on a significant staff role for incoming U.S. Senator Dave McCormick.
A special election to fill Aument’s seat has been scheduled for March 25.
