HARRISBURG, Pa. — On November 12, 2024, Pennsylvania House Republicans selected Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford) as their new leader for the upcoming 2024-2025 legislative session. Topper’s election came after a mixed outcome for Republicans in the recent elections, where, despite victories in all three statewide row offices and a gain in the U.S. House delegation, they were unable to win a majority in the state House. Democrats retained their slim one-seat majority.
Focus on “Getting Pennsylvania Back to Work”
During a press conference in Harrisburg, Topper addressed the state of the party, acknowledging that while the election results presented challenges, the Republicans’ message resonated with voters. “We know that last Tuesday produced election results in Pennsylvania that were somewhat of a mixed bag… but we also acknowledge that [our message] is one that is resounding not just with Pennsylvanians, but with people across the country,” Topper stated. “People don’t have enough money in their pockets.”
Topper, who has represented the 78th District since 2014, takes the helm after serving as chairman of the House Education Committee during the 2023-24 session. He is now in his fifth term.
New Leadership Team
Topper introduced his leadership team, which includes:
- Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) as GOP Party Whip
- Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) as Appropriations Chair
- Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) as Caucus Chairperson
- Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) as Caucus Secretary
- Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) as Caucus Administrator
- Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata) as House Republican Policy Committee Chairperson
Outgoing House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) extended his well wishes to Topper, noting, “His success means the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus and the people of this Commonwealth will be better positioned for their own achievement.”
House Democratic Leadership
Meanwhile, the House Democratic Caucus announced that Rep. Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) will continue as Majority Leader and Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) will remain House Speaker. Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) will take over from Rep. Dan Miller (D-Allegheny) as party whip, while Rep. Rob Matzie (D-Allegheny) will become the new Caucus Chairperson. The remaining Democratic leadership roles will stay unchanged.
The Pennsylvania House is set to convene for its final session day on Wednesday, with no further dates scheduled thereafter.
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