HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Democratic state Rep. Joanna McClinton has become the first woman to hold the speaker’s gavel in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, after Berks County state Rep. Mark Rozzi stepped down as speaker Tuesday morning.
McClinton was elected in a 102-99 vote, after being nominated by fellow Philadelphia Democrat Malcolm Kenyatta. Republicans nominated Western Pennsylvania Republican Carl Metzger.
McClinton, who was first elected to the state House in 2015, is only the second African American elected to the post of speaker, following K. Leroy Irvis in 1977. No stranger to making history, she was also the first African American elected as Pa. House Democratic Caucus chair, and later, the first woman to be elected House Democratic leader and majority leader.
Following her swearing in, McClinton acknowledged the historic moment. “I remember starting my application for law school saying ‘statistically doomed for failure,’” she recalled, “because at that time, in 2002, at 5617 Hadfield Street, there were very few folks taking the LSAT and applying to law school.”
McClinton said by the grace of God, with help from family, and the many trailblazers who came before her, she was able to rise to speaker.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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McClinton also said the slim, one-vote majority Democrats hold in the House should not be seen as an obstacle, but instead as a catalyst for change, returning the chamber to important principles including, decency, respect, and professionalism.
“I am confident that we can collaborate, we don't have to criticize,” she told colleagues. “I am confident that we can debate, we don't have to disparage each other. I am confident that we can replace our short sighted political game with sincere and productive cooperation.”
House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler echoed her sentiments, calling for a fresh start in the House following Rozzi's brief tenure.
"Right now, the House is in dire need of a reset, and I remain committed to working with anyone who is willing to work with us to find solutions. However, the only way we will be able to move forward is by lowering the temperatures that have risen due to an unforeseen lack of integrity that has set back our ability to work across the aisle," Cutler said in a statement. "It is time to move on. I hope our colleagues on the other side of the aisle will join us in doing so."
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In a 20-minute speech on the House floor, Rozzi, a childhood sex abuse survivor, talked about how he thought he could make a difference and find some justice for other survivors. A constitutional amendment that would give childhood sex abuse survivors a window to sue their abusers even if outside the statute of limitation passed in a special session last week. It now faces an uncertain fate in the state Senate.
In January, the upper chamber passed the measure as part of a package of bills, including a provision requiring voters to show state identification.
Rozzi opted against that bill, saying it would “disenfranchise thousands of voters in Pennsylvania.”
Rozzi became speaker in early January during a limbo period when neither party held the 102 seats needed to command a majority. Many House Republicans voted for him to be speaker, believing he would become an Independent. Instead, Rozzi remained a Democrat. Special elections since then have delivered Democrats enough votes to hold a 102-101 majority.
Soon after the general election in November, Democrats prematurely celebrated their majority, naming McClinton as their leader. On Tuesday, as Rozzi stepped aside, he told McClinton he believes in her, and believes she can be the one to fix Harrisburg.
Also on Tuesday, House Democrats selected Montgomery County state Rep. Matt Bradford to succeed McClinton as majority leader. Philadelphia state Rep. Jordan Harris will leave his position as House whip to replace Bradford as Appropriations Committee chair.