Democratic state Rep. John Galloway resigns, bringing House back to 101-101 split

Democratic state Rep. John Galloway resigned from the state House on Thursday as he prepares to take office as a district judge next year. Galloway, who first took office in the 140th House District in 2007, was elected as a district judge in Falls Township, Bucks County in November. His resignation took effect at noon on Thursday, according to a letter sent to House Speaker Joanna McClinton. 

McClinton on Thursday scheduled a special election to fill Galloway’s seat – which covers a portion of Bucks County – for Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. 

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

With Democrats holding a narrow, one-vote advantage over Republicans in the state House this year, the chamber has, at times, been split at 101-101 due to the resignations of several members. The House was briefly split at 101-101 earlier this year when Democrat Sara Innamorato resigned to focus on the general election for Allegheny County executive, and Galloway’s resignation is the latest exit to leave the chamber with an equal number of Democrats and Republicans.