by John Cole, Pennsylvania Capital-Star
March 18, 2024

State Rep. Jim Prokopiak (D-Bucks) was sworn in as the newest member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly on Monday, adding to the Democratic Party’s slim majority in the chamber. He represents the state House’s 140th District, which includes parts of lower Bucks County.

“As a longtime public servant, you bring impressive and valuable experience to your new role here in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives,” House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) said. “Your background in local government, serving as a school board member will allow you to contribute greatly to the debates that occur here in the House chamber throughout the building and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Prokopiak won the open seat in February over Republican Candace Cabanas, following the resignation of longtime Democratic state Rep. John Galloway who was elected district judge.

Although Democrats have a registration advantage in that district, the party was heavily invested in keeping the seat blue.

Prior to winning a seat in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Prokopiak, a licensed attorney, served as a member of the Pennsbury School Board and as a Falls Township Supervisor.

Democrats hold a 102-100 seat majority over Republicans in the state House, with one seat vacant after state Rep. Joe Adams (R-Wayne) resigned in February. The special election for that seat will take place the same day as Pennsylvania’s primary election, April 23.

While Prokopiak will serve out the remainder of Galloway’s term, he will be on the primary ballot in April as he seeks a full-term in the state House.

Prokopiak will serve on several House committees including Aging & Older Adult Services, Education, Local Government, and Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development.

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