HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Lawmakers are back in Harrisburg to begin the 2025-26 legislative session. State House members were able to avoid a protracted, partisan battle as they elected Philadelphia Democrat Joanna McClinton to a second term as speaker.
“If we come in here with a willing mind and sleeves rolled up to work together and collaborate, nothing is impossible,” said McClinton, urging members to come together.
“We are here to work together. We are here to respond to the needs of the people. We are here not to make excuses, not to sulk, but to really put our heads together and craft the solutions for the future that our neighbors demand.”
The battle for House speaker could have dragged out for weeks, as it did in 2023. Just like two years ago, Democrats have a one-seat majority in the House, but they are down one member because of a health emergency.
However, after the first vote for speaker ended in a 101-101 tie, Republican nominee Jesse Topper stood up to say, “I rise to withdraw my name from consideration and move to immediately vote for speaker.”
Topper takes over as House Republican leader.
With visions of bipartisanship dancing in House members’ heads, Democratic leader Montgomery County Democrat Matt Bradford noted this session is off to a much better start than the last one. He recognized Topper’s move as the first step.
“I want to thank and congratulate the new Republican leader who has opened a door for that type of cooperation. You're a good man, Mr. Topper, and I thank you.”
Topper says legislators need to remember residents don’t care about a divided legislature or party politics. They want to make a living and support their families.
“As they struggle with these decisions and choices in their own lives, they expect that we will keep them in mind as we debate policy that will determine whether they will continue to live and work in this great commonwealth.”