HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Following an impasse that resulted from the Republican floor leader bowing out, Pennsylvania lawmakers on Tuesday restored Democratic Speaker Joanna McClinton to head the chamber for the upcoming session.
In November, Democrats secured a single-vote majority of 102 seats; however, one of their members missed the swearing-in day due to a medical emergency.
I would like to know what you will be remembered for, distinguished colleagues. After taking the oath of office, McClinton said.
Both McClinton and Republican Leader Jesse Topper received 101 votes each in the first ballot for speaker. Topper withdrew from the race, and Philadelphia’s McClinton won by a voice vote on the second ballot.
Rep. Matthew Gergely had to be hospitalized due to a medical emergency over the holidays, according to House Democratic caucus spokesperson Beth Rementer. He is not anticipated to return for a while, she said.
First-term Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro may find it more difficult to accomplish anything this year due to Gergely’s absence, the narrow House margin, and Republican control of the Senate. In the previous session, Democrats held the same 102-101 majority, and little significant legislation was passed aside from the two annual budgets.
In order to reduce ambiguity under the one-seat margin, the House passed a rule during the 2023–24 session. The party that most recently held the seat was given credit for vacancies under that rule.
Two years ago, Democrats took control of the chamber and successfully held onto it while a number of vacancies occurred and were filled in special elections. Democrats maintained majority control of the House by the narrowest of margins in November, as none of the 203 seats switched parties.
As he acknowledged the narrow margin, Montgomery County House Democratic Leader Matt Bradford praised Topper, who received a standing ovation. He advised colleagues to exercise wisdom and humility.
Topper wished Gergely a complete and quick recovery during floor remarks.
Topper urged members to be thankful for the chance to serve and to not from getting angry or pessimistic, saying that there are very few days in this position that are not challenging. Many of the people we represent are seen at their darkest moments rather than their best ones.
Since November, House Republicans have switched leaders, and Topper of Bedford County is now their floor leader. Toppers, a former ranking member on the Education Committee, succeeded former House Speaker and caucus leader Bryan Cutler, who was reelected in a Lancaster County district and is still serving in the House.
Meanwhile, the House Democrats have five new members after Rep. Kevin Boyle of Philadelphia lost the spring primary, Rep. Patti Kim of Dauphin County and Rep. Nick Pisciottano of Allegheny County gave up their seats to run successfully for the state Senate, and Rep. Mike Sturla of Lancaster County and former House Speaker Mark Rozzi of Berks County retired.
House Republicans saw Rep. Ryan Mackenzie defeat Democratic U.S. Rep. Susan Wild and Rep. Dawn Keefer gain a York County state Senate seat.
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