State Rep. Keith Harris (D-Philadelphia) (left) takes the oath of office in the state House on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 (House Democrats photo)
Two new state representatives took their oaths of office Monday as the state House returned to session after an extended summer recess.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab administered the oath to Reps. Keith Harris and Andre Carroll, both Philadelphia Democrats. They were elected without opposition in special elections Sept. 17 to replace former Reps. Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey, also both Democrats.
Harris began his work in community service in 1984 with the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, served as 28th Ward leader, and as Philadelphia City Council’s sergeant at arms.
State Rep. Andre Carroll (right) during his swearing in ceremony in the Pennsylvania House on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (House Democrats photo)
Carroll was raised by his grandmother, whose lessons of hard work, perseverance and identifying opportunity gave him the motivation to graduate from school, earn a degree while working full time and become a teacher in the public school system, Carroll said during his campaign.
“Both are impressive individuals with a passion for serving their common communities,” House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) said. “I have no doubt that they will continue to be incredible advocates for their neighbors and our commonwealth.”
Minority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) described Harris’ and Carroll’s predecessors in office as “some of the most respected here in the General Assembly.”
“They were known for working across the aisle to get things done, putting people over partisanship, and working to truly better the people they represent, and the people of the Commonwealth as a whole,” Cutler said, urging Harris and Carroll to get to know their Republican colleagues.
“Some of the most meaningful productive relationships you will have in this experience will actually come from people you likely disagree with,” Cutler said.
Bullock resigned from her 195th Legislative District seat in Northwest Philadelphia to become CEO of the nonprofit homeless support group Project HOME. Bullock had represented the 195th Legislative District since 2016.
Kinsey announced in January that the current legislative session would be his last. Kinsey has served as state representative for the 201st Legislative District since 2013.
Both officially resigned in July. Their districts were considered safe Democratic seats.
Harris and Carroll each received about 3,100 votes in the elections for the 195th and 201st legislative districts, respectively, according to election returns published by the Pennsylvania Department of State.
The elections were the ninth and 10th special elections in the House during the current legislative session. In each, the party in control of the seat has not changed, allowing House Democrats to maintain their narrow 102-101 majority.