Following Mark Rozzi’s (D-126) resignation, Joanna McClinton (D-191) was elected as the new speaker of the Pennsylvania House on Feb. 28.
McClinton received votes from all 102 House Democrats, but none from Republicans.
“In my career, I’ve been blessed to achieve other ‘firsts’ in this chamber, and I am equally honored to serve as this historic body’s first woman speaker,” McClinton said during remarks in the House chamber. “I stand before you today, humbled and honored to be elected your speaker, and most importantly, my election today makes me more hopeful about the future of our commonwealth and our communities.”
Rozzi served two months as the speaker, after being elected with the support of Bryan Cutler (R-100) and 15 Republicans. Cutler later claimed that Rozzi “hijacked the chamber.”
Following McClinton’s election, Cutler offered congratulations.
“As a former Speaker of the House, I offer my congratulations to Speaker McClinton and wish her well on this tremendous responsibility,” Cutler said in a statement. “After several months of gridlock and a state House of Representatives that has not been working for the people, we are in dire need of a reset.”
Chris Hume is the host of The Lancaster Patriot Podcast and the author of several books, including Seven Statist Sins. He can be reached at info@thelancasterpatriot.com.
