The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is stuck in a 101-101 partisan divide following the sudden death of one of its Democratic members, leaving the chamber deadlocked until a special election is held.
Rep. Matt Gergely, a Democrat representing part of Allegheny County, died on Sunday at the age of 45, the House Democratic caucus announced.
The cause of his death is unclear, but Gergely had been missing from the chamber since the New Year due to a “medical emergency over the holidays requiring hospitalization,” Beth Rementer, the House Democratic caucus spokesperson, shared at the time. They were not expecting him to return “for some time.”
House Democrats clinched a one-seat edge over the Republicans during November’s election. Gergely’s death brings the chamber to a stalled split until a special election is held to fill his vacant seat representing the largely Democratic district that includes Pittsburgh.
Sudden vacancies had plagued the House Democrats during the last two-year session, often delaying the lawmaking process.
Speaker Joanna McClinton, a Democrat representing Philadelphia, will announce a special election at a later date, House Democrats said in their statement.
“Matt will be desperately missed in Harrisburg and we know his passing is a tremendous loss to his communities in Western Pennsylvania. Please join us in keeping his wife and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this tragic time,” their statement said.
With Post wires
