The area’s four state representatives were sworn in for new terms on Tuesday at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg.

The lawmakers took the oath with their peers at the historic legislative building.

Democrats hold a razor-thin majority in the Pennsylvania House and State Rep. Joanna McClinton, a Democrat, was reelected as speaker.

State Rep. Tina Davis, a Democrat from Bristol Township, was sworn in today for her eighth two-year term.

In addition to her role as a lawmaker, Davis was reelected as the caucus secretary for the Pennsylvania House Democrats last month. She was first appointed to the leadership position in the 2021-2022 legislative session.

“As caucus secretary, Davis plays a crucial role in supporting the efficient and effective functioning of the House Democratic Caucus,” her office said.

“I am honored to continue serving the people of the Bristol-Levittown area and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Davis said. “With the support of my colleagues, I will work tirelessly to ensure our work in the House is transparent, effective, and focused on improving the lives of all Pennsylvanians. Together, we will push forward meaningful legislation that creates new opportunities, promotes equity, and strengthens communities.”

Davis serves the 141st Legislative District, which is made up of Bristol Borough and Bristol Township.

State Rep. Joe Hogan, a Republican from Middletown Township was sworn in today for his second term.

“It is an honor to be back in Harrisburg to represent the 142nd District,” said Hogan. “I will continue to fight for the common sense measures I fought for in my first term, like supporting working parents, fighting for early childhood education and supporting our schools.”

Hogan serves the 142nd Legislative District, which covers Lower Southampton Township, Langhorne Manor Borough, Langhorne Borough, Penndel Borough and portions of Middletown and Northampton townships.

State Rep. Jim Prokopiak, a Democrat from Falls Township, took the oath for a new term in the Pennsylvania House.

Prokopiak serves the 140th Legislative District that covers Falls Township, Morrisville Borough, Tullytown Borough, and part of Middletown Township.

State Rep. K.C. Tomlinson, a Republican from Bensalem Township, was sworn in the Capitol. She is serving her third full term following a special election in March 2020.

“It continues to be the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of Bensalem and Hulmeville,” said Tomlinson. “I will continue to work tirelessly for my district, find common ground in Harrisburg, and get things done that benefit all Pennsylvanians.”

Tomlinson serves the 18th Legislative District that covers Bensalem Township and Hulmeville Borough.

Advertisement

Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies

Pennsylvania lawmakers on Tuesday returned Democratic Speaker Joanna McClinton to lead the chamber for the new session after the Republican floor leader bowed out to resolve a deadlock.

Democrats won 102 seats in November, a single-vote majority, but one of their members was absent from swearing-in day after suffering a health crisis.

“My question to each of you distinguished colleagues is, what will you be remembered for?” McClinton said after taking the oath of office.

In the initial vote for speaker, Republican Leader Jesse Topper and McClinton each garnered 101 votes. Topper removed himself from consideration and McClinton, of Philadelphia, prevailed on the second ballot on a voice vote.

Rep. Matthew Gergely had a “medical emergency over the holidays requiring hospitalization,” according to Beth Rementer, the House Democratic caucus spokesperson. She said he is not expected to return “for some time.”

Gergely’s absence, the close House margin and Republican control of the Senate could complicate first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s hopes of getting things done this year. Democrats had the same 102-101 majority in the last session, and other than the two annual budgets, little substantial legislation was enacted.

Democrats won chamber control two years ago and successfully defended it while several vacancies arose and were filled by special elections. In November, not one of the 203 House seats changed parties, meaning Democrats retained majority control by the slimmest of margins.

House Democratic Leader Matt Bradford of Montgomery County thanked Topper, who drew a standing ovation, as Bradford acknowledged the close margin, telling colleagues, “We need to be humble, and we need to be wise.”

In floor remarks, Topper wished Gergely a full and speedy recovery.

“There are very few days in this job that are not difficult,” Topper said, urging members to feel gratitude for the opportunity to serve and to avoid becoming frustrated or cynical. “We see many of those who we represent not on their best day, but on their worst.”