Skip to content

Pennsylvania House Majority Battle: Special Elections Scheduled?

Pennsylvania House Majority Battle: Special Elections Scheduled?

December 15, 2022

Pennsylvania House Majority Battle: Special Elections Scheduled?

When we went to press, the battle over which party could claim the Majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives as well as who currently has the power to schedule special elections for the three vacant positions in the chamber remained ongoing. As we previously reported, Democrats won 102 seats while Republicans won 101 in November. However, three of the seats won by the Democrats are now vacant due to two members, Austin Davis (incoming Lieutenant Governor) and Summer Lee (incoming member of Congress), winning election to other offices and longtime state Representative Anthony DeLuca winning reelection to his seat despite passing away in October. Some say this results in the Republican party retaining control of the chamber for the first several months of the new session with its 101-99 majority, while it is anticipated that the Democrats will assume control after the special elections mentioned above. In the meantime, House Democrats have elected and sworn in Representative Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) to serve as House Majority Leader. McClinton then scheduled special elections for February 7th to fill the three vacant House seats. In response, Republican leaders have said that McClinton had no right to schedule the special elections and have sworn in Representative Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) as majority leader. Additionally, and before the 2021-22 two-year legislative session ended in November, then current House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) called a special election for February 7th to fill the vacant House 32nd District seat, the seat held by the late Representative Ton DeLuca (D-Allegheny). As the fight over who has the power to call special elections rolls on, we anticipate an even bigger showdown to take place on January 3rd when lawmakers are sworn into office and the 2023-24 legislative session begins. Typically, this is also the day where the entire chamber elects a new speaker, who we should point out has the power to moderate floor debate, call up bills for votes, name committee chairs, and schedule special elections.
Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

March 25, 2026
NFIB Hosts Small Business Day in Montgomery
NFIB members from across the state gathered in Montgomery.
Read More
March 25, 2026
Pennsylvania Small Business Owner Featured on Latest NFIB Podcast Episode
NFIB member Warren Hudak discusses rising health care costs on podcast.
Read More
Woman working in a tomato greenhouse .
March 23, 2026
Small Business Owners Warn Against Mandated Wage Increases
NFIB opposes HB 2189.
Read More
A female Carpenter working at a table wearing glasses.
March 17, 2026
NFIB Pennsylvania Legislative Update: Take Action on Important Issues
Tell your legislators how government spending & costly mandates impact your small business.
Read More

© 2001 - 2026 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility