For the first time since 2010, the Democrats will be the majority party in the Pennsylvania House.
Rep. Todd Stephens conceded on Thursday afternoon to Missy Cerrato in the 151st District to give the Dems an unsurmountable 102nd seat in the chamber.
Stephens wrote in a Facebook post that “while in years past I have been able to overcome the odds despite tremendously unpopular Republicans at the top of the ticket, the new 36% Republican district into which I was drawn, and a Gubernatorial candidate who received just 29% of the vote, proved to be too much to overcome this year. After all the votes have been counted, it appears as though I will come up 57 votes short out of over 33,500 votes cast. I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Melissa Cerrato on being elected State Representative for 151st District. I look forward to working with her in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.”
Cerrato tweeted “I just received a gracious congratulatory call from my opponent. I am grateful to @RepToddStephens for his past service to our community and his prompt concession, ensuring the balance of power in the #PAHouse is not hung up in court. Now, let’s get to work.”
It is likely that Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) will ascend to Speaker of the House, replacing Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) in the position.
Cerrato holds a 59-vote lead after new results posted by Montgomery County election officials on Thursday.
This is a developing story.
6 Responses
Good. Now maybe we can get back to reliable, old fashion country club republicanism. Where the biggest scandals were claiming a little bit extra on travel expenses, throwing back a few too many martinis with the lobbyists at happy hour in downtown harrisburg, and rewarding loyal supporters with contracts or patronage jobs (what’s orange and sleeps five? a turnpike commission truck!).
The old way kept the roads paved (well, barely) and the bridges in usable condition (just barely) and the water, sewer and fire protection systems up and running, although volunteer fire companies are struggling. Broadband for rural areas is still a dream, and keeping health care and education up to the standards in peer states is challenging.
Joke is the most kindly description for the GOP MAGA PA legislature.
Calm down Frank. With the hapless State Senate Dem Leadership you don’t have to fear R’s losing their majority in the Senate! Kudos with House on this fantastic achievement. What leadership and great results! Amazing achievement!
Right, right
Thank God we still have the Senate. Hopefully they won’t cave to the incoming administration. They are our only hope for the next 2 years!
Yes, they have accomplished so much over the past eight years when Tom Wolf was in charge. Now, they face another interesting tactician.