Pennsylvania Senate - Six New Members, One Resignation and Leadership Changes

There are 6 new Senators Statewide - 5 new Republicans and 1 new Democrat.

• Sen. Nicholas Miller (D – Lehigh) – Replacing Independent incumbent John Yudichak who did not run for re-election.
• Sen. Rosemary Brown (R -Monroe) – Former State Representative who ran to replace Republican incumbent Mario Scavello who did not seek re-election.

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• Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R -Lehigh) – Defeated Republican incumbent Pat Browne in primary and then won the seat in general election.
• Sen. Frank Farry (R – Bucks) – Former State Representative who ran to replace Republican incumbent Tommy Tomlinson who did not seek re-election.
• Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R – Montgomery) - Former State Representative who ran to replace Republican incumbent Bob Mensch who did not seek re-election.
• Sen. Greg Rothman  (R-Cumberland)– Former State Representative who ran in a newly drawn district that was previously Jake Corman’s.

The Republicans currently hold a 27-22 majority in the Senate due to resignation of Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia) who resigned his seat on November 30th to take the position as Counsel for the Republican Caucus. The special election is scheduled for January 31st for this seat which comprises Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Luzerne (portion) and Snyder Counties and will likely remain Republican. 
 
In addition to these shifts, Leadership in both the Senate Republican and Democrat Caucuses saw several changes:
 
President Pro Tempore - Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) has been elected to serve as interim Senate President Pro Tempore from Dec. 1 until Jan. 2. On Tuesday, Jan. 3, the Senate will vote for a President Pro Tempore to serve for the new two-year legislative session. She becomes the first woman to hold the position, the third-highest post in Pennsylvania government. She previously served as Senate Majority Leader. The President Pro Tempore is responsible for appointing the chairpersons and members of the twenty-two standing committees of the Senate and serves as an ex-officio member of all committees. She presides over the Senate floor when the Lieutenant Governor is unavailable and fills the position of Lieutenant Governor if the office becomes vacant. The office also refers bills and resolutions to the appropriate Senate committees for consideration.
 
Leader - Duties include overseeing the legislative agenda, developing policies and strategies, and playing a key role in floor debates. There is also role in negotiating issues with the Administration and House of Representatives and in coordinating action on the Senate floor. Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) will serve as Senate Majority Leader replacing Kim Ward. Pittman previously chaired the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee. Sen Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) remains in his position as Minority Leader.
 
Whip - The duties include acting as assistant floor leader, working to gain support for legislation and ensuring that Caucus policies and strategies are maintained. Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) was elected Majority Whip and Sen. Tina Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) as Minority Whip. Both are new to their positions.
 
Appropriations - The committee reviews all legislation for its fiscal impact and plays a crucial role in negotiating and developing the state budget. Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) was newly elected as Majority Chair and Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) remains as Minority Chair.
 
Caucus Chair - The chair presides over caucus meetings to discuss bills and amendments and to develop caucus strategy. Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) was newly elected to serve as Majority Caucus Chair for the 2023-24 legislative session. Caucus Chair: Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny).
 
Caucus Secretary – The position oversees all executive nominations submitted to the Senate for confirmation and will coordinate the review of the background and experience of nominees and ensure that proper documentation is submitted. Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington) is new to Majority position and Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) retains her spot as Minority Caucus Secretary.
 
Caucus Administrator: Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) is new to position and Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) retains position as Minority Administrator.
 
Policy Chair: Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) is new to position and Sen. Katie Muth (D-Montgomery) retains position.