Central Pa. lawmaker to leave House leadership role over election results

By Jaxon White, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS)
The Lancaster County lawmaker who leads Republicans in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives announced Friday afternoon he would step down from the leadership post, a move that came days after the GOP failed to retake the chamber in Tuesday’s elections, leaving Democrats with a one-seat majority.
Bryan Cutler, of Drumore Township, announced he wouldn’t seek reelection to the role next week in an email sent to House Republicans. His spokesman, Jason Gottesman, shared the email with LNP-LancasterOnline.
“Part of being Leader is putting the right people in the right places to advocate for our positions. This includes my own,” Cutler wrote. “I strongly believe we have to make changes from the top down to ensure our future success and for that reason I will not be seeking the position of Republican Leader for the upcoming Session.”
Cutler noted in his email that Republicans “did not see the same benefits from the top of our ticket translate into our down-ballot State House races” this year.
“I know that disappoints everyone, myself included,” Cutler wrote. “I recognize that leaves us all wanting more and needing to make further changes.”
Cutler represents the 100th Legislative District, which covers much of the southern half of the county. He was elected majority leader of the GOP caucus in 2018. In 2020, he became House speaker — a role he filled until Democrats took control of the House two years ago.
After the GOP lost its majority in 2022, Cutler upset some Republicans by supporting Berks County Democrat Mark Rozzi as his successor as speaker.
Rozzi had agreed to be an independent House speaker, preventing Democrats from having total control over the legislative agenda. Rozzi did not adhere to the agreement and later stepped down in favor of Philadelphia Rep. Joanna McClinton, the current speaker.
According to Spotlight PA, two lawmakers had entered to be the next leader by Thursday morning: Education Committee Minority Chair Jesse Topper, of Bedford County, and Policy Committee Chair Josh Kail, of Beaver County. On Friday, Milou Mackenzie, of Northampton County, entered the race to replace Cutler.
The closed-door election will take place in Harrisburg on Tuesday as lawmakers return for two days of legislative business. Retiring Republican Caucus Chair George Dunbar, of Westmoreland County, must also be replaced among party leadership.
Democrats’ leadership elections are also scheduled for Tuesday. In the Pennsylvania Senate, both parties are expected to hold leadership elections on Wednesday.