Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Qualifications

Representatives must be at least 21 years of age. They must be a United States citizen and a Pennsylvania resident for four years, and a resident of the district they represent one year prior to their election and must reside in that district during their term.

Hall of the House

The Hall of the House contains important symbols of Pennsylvania history and the work of legislators.

• Speaker's Chair: a throne-like chair of rank that sits directly behind the speaker's rostrum. Architect Joseph Miller Huston designed the chair in 1906, the year the Capitol was dedicated.
• Mace: the House symbol of authority, peace, order and respect for law rests in a pedestal to the right of the speaker. Its base is solid mahogany, intricately carved and capped by a brass globe engraved with the Pennsylvania coat of arms. An American Eagle perches on top. The tradition of the mace may date to the Roman Republic when attendants of Roman consuls carried bundles of sticks wrapped around an axe to enforce order. The tradition may also come directly from Pennsylvania's English heritage.
• Murals: a colorful panorama of Pennsylvania history appear in murals by Edwin Austin Abbey. The most commanding of the series hangs behind the speaker's rostrum and dominates the wall behind the speaker. It is called The Apotheosis of Pennsylvania.
• Ceiling: a work of art in itself with its ornate geometry of gold leaf buttoned at the center by a charming painted illustration. In "The Hours", Abbey represents the passage of time in the form of 24 maidens revolving in an endless circle amidst the moon, the sun and the stars of the Milky Way.

Speaker of the House

Main article: Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

The speakership is the oldest elected statewide office in the commonwealth. Since its first session in 1682—presided over by William Penn—over 130 House members have been elevated to the speaker's chair. The House cannot hold an official session in the absence of the speaker or their designated speaker pro tempore. Speaker Leroy Irvis was the first African-American elected speaker of any state legislature in the United States since Reconstruction. Speaker Dennis O'Brien was the only minority-party speaker known in Pennsylvania and only the second known nationwide.

Democrat Joanna McClinton was elected speaker of the House on February 28, 2023, becoming the first female speaker in Pennsylvania.

Composition

Current session

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Leadership

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Speaker of the House: Joanna McClinton (D)

Membership

List of current representatives

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Committees

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Past composition of the House

Main article: Political party strength in Pennsylvania

Notes

References

Sources

References

1. Article II, section 2, ''[[Pennsylvania Constitution]]''.
2. Article II, section 16, ''[[Pennsylvania Constitution]]''.
3. ["Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"](https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=0}}{{cite web).
4. Center, Legislativate Data Processing. "Pennsylvania General Assembly".
5. Caruso, Stephen. (2023-02-28). "PA House elects first female speaker after resignation".
6. (January 19, 2025). "Mon Valley State Rep. Matt Gergely dies after suffering medical emergency".
7. (2025-03-26). "Dan Goughnour wins special election in Pennsylvania, keeping Democrats in control of state House - CBS Pittsburgh".
8. Northup, Alton. (December 17, 2025). "Pennsylvania House speaker sets date for 2 special elections next year". ABC27.
9. (2 January 2026). "Pennsylvania House speaker sets 2 more special elections after resignations". [[WHTM-TV]].
10. (28 January 2026). "Rep. Seth Grove announces resignation from state House". [[York Daily Record]].
11. Ulrich, Steve. (2024-11-12). "PA House Democrats Announce Leadership Team".
12. Ulrich, Steve. (2024-11-12). "Topper Elected House Republican Leader, Announces New House Republican Caucus Leadership Team".
13. "2022 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Districts". Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
14. Ulrich, Steve. (2025-01-07). "House Dems Select Leadership, Committee Chairs for 2025-26".
15. Ulrich, Steve. (2023-01-26). "GOP Names House Committee Chairs".