State Rep. Matthew Gergely (D-Allegheny) died Sunday after suffering a medical emergency on New Year’s Eve. He was first elected in the special election in the 35th Legislative District on Feb. 7, 2023. (photo courtesy of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee)
Allegheny County state Rep. Matthew Gergely died Sunday, three weeks after suffering a serious medical emergency, House Democrats announced.
Gergely, 45, was first elected in a special election in February 2023 to replace Lt. Gov. Austin Davis after he resigned from the 35th Legislative District seat. Gergely was reelected in November helping to secure a one-seat majority for Democrats in the state House.
“Our hearts are broken as we mourn the untimely loss of our friend and colleague. Matt Gergely devoted his life to fighting for children and working families of Allegheny County – especially his beloved hometown of McKeesport,” the House Democratic Caucus said in a statement.
“Matt will be desperately missed in Harrisburg and we know his passing is a tremendous loss to his communities in Western Pennsylvania. Please join us in keeping his wife and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this tragic time,” the statement said.
House Republicans said they joined in grieving Gergely’s death and offered condolences to his family.
“While Matt was only in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives a short time, his commitment to his family and community were deeply felt among his peers and he quickly earned friends and respect on both sides of the aisle. His voice and presence will be missed both in Harrisburg and southeast Allegheny County,” the Republican Caucus said in a statement.
Prior to his election to state government, Gergely worked for 20 years in his hometown of McKeesport in several government management and financial roles, including as chief of staff to McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko from 2012 to 2017.
In the House, Gergely was a prime sponsor of legislation to improve testing of blood plasma and to provide more flexibility for businesses licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed both into law last year.
Gergely’s seat will be filled in a special election, which may not be held until at least 70 days after the seat becomes vacant. That means an election will not take place until April.
Gergely’s death leaves the state House evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans at 101-101. Gergely was absent on the first day of session Jan. 7 and despite the potential for deadlock, the House reelected Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia).
After the 2023-2024 session, when House Democrats retained their one seat majority in 10 special elections, the House adopted revised rules as part of a compromise by Republicans not to challenge McClinton’s reelection. The new rules eliminate a definition of “majority” as the party that won the largest number of seats in the most recent general election.