HARRISBURG — Philadelphia state Rep. Joanna McClinton on Tuesday became the first woman to serve as speaker of the Pennsylvania House, ascending to the chamber’s top position on the strength
Philadelphia state Rep. Joanna McClinton is the first woman to serve as speaker of the Pennsylvania House. She ascended to the chamber’s top position Tuesday on the strength of a
Philadelphia state Rep. Joanna McClinton is the first woman to serve as speaker of the Pennsylvania House. She ascended to the chamber’s top position Tuesday on the strength of a fresh one-vote Democratic majority. The leadership reshuffling came nearly two months after Rep. Mark Rozzi, a Berks County Democrat, became the surprise choice for speaker. Democrats flipped a net of 12 seats in November to retake majority control after more than a decade, but their margin didn't become effective until their candidates won three special elections earlier this month. Rozzi stepped down shortly before the 102-to-99 vote for McClinton. The 40-year-old McClinton grew up in southwest Philadelphia, where she still lives.