Pennsylvania’s House Democratic majority and Republican minority announced their leadership teams for the 2025-26 session.
Republicans failed to flip any district’s in last Tuesday’s election. As a result, Democrats held their razor-thin 102 to 101 majority.
Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) was reelected by her caucus. Rep. Matt Bradford, (D-Montgomery) is Democratic leader. The whip is Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D- Lehigh), and the Appropriations Committee chair is Rep. Jordan Harris (D- Philadelphia).
McClinton is the first woman and first Black person ever to serve as Speaker.
“I am grateful to be Speaker-designate of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and to serve as a leader of my caucus for the 2025-26 legislative session,” said McClinton. “I am honored to continue to be a voice for my neighbors and to work on policies to improve the quality of life for every Pennsylvanian.”
Also named were Rep. Rob Matzie (D-Beaver County) as caucus chair; Rep. Tina Davis (D-Bucks) as secretary; Rep. Leanne Krueger (D-Delaware) as administrator and Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) as Policy Committee chair.
The caucus issued this joint statement: “House Democrats are committed to continuing our work to improve life for all Pennsylvanians, putting the needs of our communities first. Our top priority remains making life easier for working Pennsylvanians. We look forward to working with Gov. Shapiro, House Republicans, and the Senate to cut costs for working families, invest in our children’s education, and grow our economy.”
Rep. Jesse Topper
Republicans elected Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford) as leader of the minority party.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the people of Bedford and Fulton Counties for trusting me to be their representative in Harrisburg. I also want to thank my House Republican colleagues for instilling their faith in me to serve as their caucus leader,” Topper said. “While we are frustrated and disappointed to be in the minority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, it is clear the people of Pennsylvania are ready for a new dawn. I will lead our caucus with the kind of core Republican principles that have made our party successful on the statewide and national level.”
In addition to Topper, Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) will serve as whip; Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana), will be appropriations chair; Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga) will be caucus secretary; Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) will be administrator; and Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder) will be policy chair.
Of particular note in the Delaware Valley, Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) was elected caucus chair.
“I am honored to serve as the Republican Caucus Chairwoman and deeply grateful to my colleagues for entrusting me with this responsibility,” said White. “This role is pivotal to providing our members with the information and support they need to make informed decisions and to voice the concerns of their constituents. I look forward to working with my fellow members to develop consensus and advance Republican principles to bring forward a more prosperous Pennsylvania.”
Topper said the new leadership team is “battle tested” and will “put Pennsylvania families first.”
“With abundant natural resources and a prime geographical location, Pennsylvania should be second to none when it comes to economic development, career opportunity, and educational achievement. This new team of leaders is poised and ready to harness the untapped potential of Pennsylvania’s greatness while drawing a stark contrast to any policy that will hold us back from success,” he added.
