HARRISBURG – Republicans in the PA House have turned to a lawmaker from rural Bedford County to be their floor leader for the coming two-year session. The House Republican Caucus voted behind closed doors on Tuesday for Rep. Jesse Topper to head their 101-seat minority in 2025-26. Topper is currently the ranking Republican on the House Education Committee. He will replace Lancaster County Rep. Bryan Cutler, who did not seek a return to the Caucus’ top leadership post. Cutler noted Topper possesses a unique set of skills that put him in a position to move the caucus further and advance Republican principles during the upcoming legislative term. No districts flipped in last week’s election. That means the state House will return to session in January with a 102-seat Democrat majority. Also Tuesday, Democrat lawmakers returned Majority Leader Rep. Matt Bradford of Montgomery County as floor leader. Rep. Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia is also in line to return as House Speaker.
