PA House Back To 101-101 Split After Bucks Co. Resignation

LEVITTOWN, PA —State Rep. John T. Galloway's resignation Thursday to become a district justice has now caused a 101-101 split of the state House of Representatives.

Now that the House has wrapped up business for the year, Galloway's seat will remain vacant until a Feb. 13 special election.

The longtime state representative won the Nov. 7 general election to succeed Falls Township District Judge Jan Vislosky, who is retiring.

Galloway represented the 140th Legislative District, which includes part of Middletown Township, Falls Township, Morrisville Borough, and Tullytown Borough.

He could not be reached for comment on Friday. State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, who heads Bucks County's Democratic party, could not be reached for comment as well.

Galloway’s resignation came one day after the General Assembly finalized the state budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and brought the political alignment of the state House to 101 Democrats and 101 Republicans.

There are no voting days scheduled for the House for January and February, according to several Pennsylvania political websites.

Galloway's resignation went into effect at noon Thursday.

State House Speaker Joanna McClinton has scheduled a special election for Feb. 13. Several Democratic candidates have already filed their to fill his seat.

They include Pennsbury School Board Member Jim Prokopiak, Levittown resident Donna Petrecco, and Galloway's chief of staff Melanie Bidlingmaier.

Politics PA reportedthat the certification of the special election could take at least three weeks.