Pennsylvania has a new speaker of the house.
Democrat State Representative Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia was named as leader of the chamber yesterday.
She now becomes the first woman to hold the gavel in the nearly 250 year history of the house.
“I’m confident if we collaborate rather than criticize, debate rather than disparage and replace shortsighted political gain with sincere cooperation – this body can do better – and will do better,” McClinton said in a press release. “Today can be our fresh start. Each of us is here because our neighbors have placed their trust in us. And that collective trust is what empowers us to act in the interest of our communities and to advance Pennsylvania for the common good.”
McClinton assumed the speakership after Mark Rozzi stepped down.
Following three special elections, Democrats assumed the majority in the House of Representatives in February.
