Benninghoff Elected House Majority Whip

State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, will be the No. 3 Republican leader in the Pennsylvania House for the 2019-20 legislative session.

The House Republican Caucus on Tuesday selected Benninghoff as majority whip, replacing Bryan Cutler, of Lancaster County. Cutler was chosen as the new House majority leader to succeed Dave Reed, of Indiana County, who did not seek reelection this year.

Speaker of the House will be formally elected in January, but the Republican caucus voted Tuesday for current speaker Rep. Mike Turzai, of Allegheny County, as their choice to return to the role.

After last week’s election, Republicans hold a 110-93 majority in the state House, with Democrats gaining 12 seats. Two seats are vacant and awaiting special elections.

Benninghoff has been in office since 1996 and last week was elected to his 12th term representing the 171st District, defeating Democratic challenger Erin McCracken of Millheim.

He is in his second term as chair of the House Majority Policy Committee and previously chaired the House Finance Committee.

“I am humbled and grateful to have been entrusted to serve my Republican colleagues as majority whip,’ Benninghoff said in a news release. ‘We will, together, honor our commitment to stand up for taxpayers, support hard-working families, encourage job growth and improve educational opportunities for our children. This newly elected leadership team has an exciting opportunity, and also a responsibility, to work hard and accomplish big things for Pennsylvania.’

Senate caucuses will elect leadership on Wednesday. Republicans maintained a 29-21 majority in the Senate, with Democrats picking up five seats last week. Centre County Republican Sen. Jake Corman, of Benner Township, is the current Senate majority leader and was reelected for a sixth term in office.