Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) and House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) were reelected to lead their respective chambers last week, marking another historic session for Pennsylvania as the only state in America with female leaders in both chambers of its legislature. The elections set the stage for what promises to be a pivotal legislative session when lawmakers return to Harrisburg on Jan. 27.
Ward will continue to lead the upper chamber, where her party maintains a 27-22 majority. A vacancy remains in the Senate following the resignation of Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) to serve as state director to newly elected U.S. Senator Dave McCormick; a special election was announced last week for March 25, 2025.
Speaking on the first day of the new session, Ward emphasized the Senate’s priorities, including fostering an “all of the above” energy strategy, addressing transportation funding challenges, and improving Pennsylvania’s business tax and regulatory structures.
In the House, McClinton was reelected after an initial 101-101 deadlock with Republican Jesse Topper (R-Bedford). Topper withdrew his nomination, enabling McClinton to reclaim the gavel.
Despite Democrats’ 102-101 majority, Rep. Matt Gergely’s (D-Allegheny) absence due to a medical emergency has temporarily left the House evenly split. McClinton and House leaders have signaled their focus on public transit funding and investments in public education.
The session will once again test lawmakers’ ability to navigate the split House and a Republican-controlled Senate. Senate Republicans are prioritizing regulatory reform and school choice, while House Democrats aim to boost public school and transportation funding. Both chambers are expected to face major challenges this session regarding energy, infrastructure improvements, and balancing the state’s transportation funding needs.
With Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address scheduled for Feb. 4, one week after the legislature reconvenes, the early weeks of this session will likely set the tone for collaboration—or gridlock—on these critical issues.