3 Lancaster County Republicans face reelection for party leadership roles next week

The Lancaster County lawmaker who leads Republicans in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is likely to face a challenge in leadership elections next week.

The party failed to retake a majority in the chamber in Tuesday's elections, leaving the House with a one-seat Democratic majority.

According to Spotlight PA , two lawmakers had entered the race against state Rep. Bryan Cutler as of Thursday morning: Education Committee Minority Chair Jesse Topper, of Bedford County, and Policy Committee Chair Josh Kail, of Beaver County.

Cutler, of Drumore Township, represents the 100th Legislative District, which covers much of the southern half of the county. He did not respond to a Friday request for comment. Neither did a spokesman for the House Republicans.

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.

Cutler was first 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.

Democrats' leadership elections are also scheduled for Tuesday. In the Pennsylvania Senate, both parties are expected to hold leadership elections on Wednesday.

Lancaster County state Sens. Ryan Aument and Scott Martin serve as Whip and Appropriations Committee Chairman, respectively. Neither of their spokespeople responded to requests for comment.