Allegheny County state Rep. Matthew Gergely died Sunday, three weeks after suffering a sedate medical emergency, House Democrats announced.
Gergely, 45, was first elected in a February 2023 special election to replace Lt. Gov. Austin Davis after resigning from his seat in the 35th Legislative District. Gergely was reelected in November, helping give Democrats a one-seat majority in the House of Representatives.
“Our hearts are broken as we mourn the untimely loss of our friend and colleague. “Matt Gergely has dedicated his life to fighting for the children and working families of Allegheny County – especially in his beloved hometown of McKeesport,” the House Democratic Caucus said in a statement.
“Matt will be greatly missed in Harrisburg and we know that his death is a tremendous loss to his community in Western Pennsylvania. Please join us in keeping his wife and family in our thoughts and prayers at this tragic time,” the statement said.
House Republicans said they joined in mourning Gergely’s death and expressed condolences to his family.
“Although Matt served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for a short time, his commitment to family and community was deeply felt among his peers, and he quickly gained friends and respect on both sides of the aisle. His voice and presence will be missed in both Harrisburg and southeastern Allegheny County,” the Republican Club said in a statement.
Prior to his election to state government, Gergely worked in his hometown of McKeesport for 20 years, serving in several government management and finance positions, including as chief of staff to the mayor of McKeesport Michał Czerepko from 2012 to 2017.
In the chamber, Gergely was the lead sponsor of legislation to improve blood plasma testing and provide more flexibility for businesses licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed both bills into law last year.
Gergely’s seat will be filled by special election, which cannot be held earlier than at least 70 days after the vacancy. This means that the elections will not take place until April.
Gergely’s death leaves the House of Representatives evenly split between Democrats and Republicans 101 to 101. Gergely was absent on the first day of the session on January 7 despite a potential impasseThe House re-elected Speaker Joanna McClinton (Philadelphia).
After the 2023-2024 session, when House Democrats maintained a one-seat majority through 10 special elections, the House adopted revised rules as part of a Republican compromise not to challenge McClinton’s re-election. The novel rules eliminate the definition of “majority” as the party that won the most seats in the last general election.
