Butler County’s Marci Mustello sworn in to state House, expanding historic caucus of female lawmakers

State Rep. Marci Mustello, R-Butler, was sworn into office Tuesday, bringing the number of women lawmakers in the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania House of Representatives to an historic high of 54 members, or about 26 percent of the 203-member chamber’s total complement.

Mustello won a special election 57-42 percent last month to replace Rep. Brian Ellis, who resigned in March due to sexual assault allegations he denied. She’s a former staffer to U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th District, and also worked for Kelly’s predecessor, former Republican Congressman Phil English, of Erie.

A record-setting number of women are serving in the Pa. House. They make up just a quarter of the body | Analysis

The House is still one member down heading into budget season after Rep. Fred Keller, R-Snyder, resigned to to serve in Congress. He won a special election on primary day to replace former U.S. Rep. Tom Marino.

The special election to replace Keller will take place Aug. 20.

House Minority Leader Frank Dermody notes that Mustello is the 54th women serving in the House, the most in history. That draws huge applause from the chambers female members. Many spring to their feet.

— Stephen Caruso (@StephenJ_Caruso) June 4, 2019