(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania state Rep. Matt Gergely died over the weekend. He was 45.
No cause of death was immediately given.
The second-term Democratic lawmaker represents a district in the Mon Valley, southeast of Pittsburgh. Before joining the state House in 2023, he served as the chief revenue officer for McKeesport. He worked for the mayor’s office and the McKeesport Area School District over the last decade.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Gergely’s predecessor in the 35th district, said he witnessed “first hand” the lawmaker’s commitment to public service.
“He was a tireless champion for working families in the Mon Valley. My heart goes out to his wife, Holly, his family, friends and community,” he said on Sunday evening. “The Second Lady and I are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Gergely suffered a medical emergency over the holidays and was not present for swearing-in day on Jan. 7. At the time, House leadership gave no timeline on when he would return to the floor.
The chamber is now 101 Democrats and 101 Republicans with a vacancy. A special election to fill Gergely’s seat will be scheduled at a later date.
In a joint statement, Democratic leaders said “our hearts are broken.”
“Matt Gergely devoted his life to fighting for children and working families of Allegheny County – especially his beloved hometown of McKeesport,” the leaders said. “Matt will be desperately missed in Harrisburg and we know his passing is a tremendous loss to his communities in western Pennsylvania.”
Gergely sponsored bills to protect plasma donations and help liquor-licensed establishments better address staffing issues. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed both pieces of legislation in 2024.
Sen. Nick Pisciotanno, a Democrat whose district overlaps Gergely’s east of Pittsburgh, said the lawmaker focused on making life better for ordinary people and setting up the next generation for success.
“I had the privilege to work with Matt as a friend and colleague for the last two years and saw firsthand his devotion to making his community better,” he said. “His time in Harrisburg was one of the most impactful of any new legislator. I will miss his quick wit and the sly smile he delivered at the end of a joke.”
House Republican leadership extended thoughts and prayers to Gergely’s family in a statement issued Sunday night.
“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,” the leaders said. “His voice and presence will be missed both in Harrisburg and southeast Allegheny County.’
On Monday, Shapiro ordered flags at the capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of Gergely.