State House Republicans Pick New Floor Leader

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republicans in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have turned to a lawmaker from rural Bedford County to be their floor leader for the coming two-year session. The House Republican caucus voted behind closed doors on Tuesday for five-term Rep. Jesse Topper to head their 101-seat minority in 2025-26. Topper is currently the ranking Republican on the Education Committee. No districts flipped in last week’s election. That means the House will return to session in January with a 102-seat Democratic majority. Also Tuesday, Democratic lawmakers returned Majority Leader Matt Bradford of Montgomery County as floor leader. Speaker Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia is also in line to return as speaker.