Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) has appointed Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-Berks/Lancaster/Lebanon) as the new Cycle Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Republican Campaign Committee (PA SRCC) for 2025-2026.

Gebhard succeeds Sen. Dave Argall (R-Carbon/Luzerne/ Schuylkill) in the position after Argall helped Ward oversee PA SRCC’s successful election cycles in 2022 and 2024. Those elections included five Republican Senate wins in key toss-up districts, as well as the first Senate Republican victory in Philadelphia in nearly 30 years, as Sen. Joe Picozzi defeated Jimmy Dillon. These victories were critical in maintaining the 28-22 Republican majority in the upper chamber.

Gebhard has served in the Senate since 2021. He is chair of the Banking & Insurance committee and vice chair of the Community, Economic & Recreational Development committee. He also serves on the Aging & Youth, Appropriations, Communications & Technology, Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, and Institutional Sustainability & Innovation committees.

“We thank Senator Argall for his four years of work to help maintain our Republican Senate majority,” said Ward in a statement. “His pivotal leadership leaves SRCC with a strong foundation for the next cycle. I look forward to working with Senator Chris Gebhard as he takes the reins for the 2026 cycle, and we prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. He will be a great asset.”

Gebhard expressed his gratitude at the trust placed in him.

“I am grateful for the trust that Senate President Kim Ward has put in me with this appointment. The Senate Republican Majority has a track record of advocating for better schools, lower taxes, and safer streets. PA SRCC will work every day between now and November of 2026 to protect that majority and to ensure we can continue to deliver results for the people of Pennsylvania.”