Following the recent assassination of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife that left them both critically wounded, it has become increasingly clear that states need to be prepared for what happens if one of their legislators dies unexpectedly while in office. Speaker Hortman’s assassination altered the balance of power in the Minnesota House of Representatives by giving Republicans a one-seat majority, despite the voting public electing an even share of Democrats and Republicans. And while Minnesota’s legislative calendar prevented this from significantly affecting the legislature, Pennsylvania’s year-round legislative calendar does not offer such protections. 

 

We need a better process for filling legislative vacancies to prevent them from inhibiting the work of the legislature and leaving Pennsylvanians unrepresented. That is why I am introducing legislation amending the state constitution to require each member of the General Assembly to name three individuals who can serve as their temporary replacement should they die while in office, with the individual then serving in this capacity until a special election is held to fill the vacancy. This will ensure that the work done by the General Assembly is not affected by the death of a member while protecting Pennsylvanians from being unrepresented following the passing of a member. 

 

Pennsylvania is one of only two states in the nation that requires special elections to be held at least a certain number of days after a vacancy occurs without establishing a maximum deadline for such elections, thereby making our state uniquely in need for such a measure. I urge you to help ensure our legislature remains efficient and fair in the event of such vacancies by co-sponsoring this important legislation.