Joanna E. McClinton
Joanna McClinton She assumed office on August 25, 2015. McClinton was first elected House speaker on February 28, 2023, becoming the first woman to serve in that position. Democrats won a 102-101 majority in the 2022 elections , but vacancies meant they temporarily ceded a 101-99 majority to Republicans. In the interim, all the chamber's Democrats and 16 Republicans elected Mark Rozzi (D) as speaker, who promised not to caucus with Democrats and act as an independent. When those vacancies were filled, Rozzi resigned as speaker and said he wanted to make way for McClinton to become speaker. Click here to learn more. McClinton was re-elected House speaker in 2025. McClinton also served as House Democratic Caucus Chair from 2018 to 2020 and as House Democratic Leader from 2020 to 2023.
· Official legislative page
Campaign site
“A fierce advocate for paid family leave, Joanna knows the first step to rebuilding our economy and expanding job opportunities is to take care of our workers and their families.”
(Campaign website) “With Speaker McClinton at the helm, the Pennsylvania House has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into workforce development and child care programs across the commonwealth to help our communities get back on their feet. Better jobs and better benefits will create a brighter future for Pennsylvanians.”
(Campaign website) “As state representative, she fought to provide opportunities for record expungement in the cases of unconditional pardoning and full acquittal of all charges. Our commonwealth thrives when our criminal justice system works for everyone, and that includes advocating for the innocent.”
(Campaign website)