(The Center Square) – With flags at the capitol flying at half-mast, Pennsylvania legislators began to move forward to fill the vacancy left by House by Rep. Matt Gergely, D-McKeesport, who died this weekend at 45.
Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia signed a writ of election scheduling a special election to determine his replacement March 25th. Until then, the House will remain evenly split with 101 representatives on each side of the aisle.
McClinton joined a host of legislators sharing their grief in the wake of Gegely’s death. “I’m heartbroken by Representative Gergely’s untimely passing and am praying for his family and community.”
Before coming to the legislature, Gergely served his Allegheny County community as the chief revenue officer for McKeesport. He was elected in a special election in 2023 to fill the vacancy left by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis.
“He was also a thoughtful, well-liked, and respected member of our legislature, who was deeply committed to serving his neighbors. He was a lifelong public servant in his beloved hometown of McKeesport before being elected to the state House, where he leaves a legacy as a champion for Pennsylvania’s working families and children,” said McClinton
Republican leadership shared similar sentiment in a joint statement.
“While Matt was only in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives a short time, his commitment to his family and community were deeply felt among his peers and he quickly earned friends and respect on both sides of the aisle.”
On swearing-in day, Minority Leader Rep. Jesse Topper, R-Bedford, removed his name from the running for House Speaker in deference to Gergely’s absence.
The late representative’s district has historically voted Democratic. A suburb of Pittsburgh, it includes Clairton, Duquesne, and McKeesport.