Jesse Topper | |
|---|---|
 Topper in November 2022 | |
| Minority Leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 7, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Bryan Cutler |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 78th district | |
| Assumed office February 10, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Dick Hess |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jesse Willis Topper (1981-09-19) September 19, 1981 Bedford, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Christy Smith (divorced) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Frostburg State University (BA) |
| Website | State House website Campaign website |
Jesse Willis Topper1 (born September 19, 1981) is an American politician currently representing the 78th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2014.2 A Republican, he is the minority leader of the state House.
Early life and education
Topper was born on September 19, 1981, to John and Ruth Topper.21 He was home schooled and graduated from Frostburg State University magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in music performance.13
Political career
Topper won a special election on January 28, 2014, to succeed state representative Dick Hess, who died during his term.45 He was reelected to four more consecutive terms. Prior to his election as a state representative, Topper served on the Bedford Borough Council for two years.1
In November 2024, Topper was elected to serve as minority leader of the Republican caucus in the House for the 2025–2026 legislative session.67 Following the 2024 election, Topper stood as the Republican nominee for speaker of the house. Democrats won a one seat majority in the election, but Representative Matthew Gergely was absent from the vote due to a medical episode, leaving the chamber tied. Topper thus withdrew his name from consideration for speaker, allowing Joanna McClinton's reelection.8
Political positions
Topper is socially and fiscally conservative. He is also pro-life and a "strong supporter" of the Second Amendment.9 Topper opposes legalizing adult use cannabis in Pennsylvania.10
Personal life
Topper was married to Christy Smith and had two sons. The couple divorced in 2021.211 Topper previously served as a minister at a United Methodist Church in his hometown.1
References
References
- "Jesse W. Topper". Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
- "SESSION OF 2014 198TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No. 11" (PDF). Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislative Journal. Pennsylvania General Assembly. February 10, 2014. p. 3. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
- "Representative Jesse Topper". Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
- "Topper wins 78th District House seat". January 29, 2014. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014.
- Brown, Ryan (January 29, 2014). "Topper wins 78th District state House seat". The Altoona Mirror. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
- "Pennsylvania House Republicans pick new floor leader after failing to regain majority". AP News. November 12, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
- Turner, Ford (November 12, 2024). "Pa. House Republicans pick Jesse Topper as new leader after failure to win majority". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
- Scolforo, Mark (January 7, 2025). "Democrat elected speaker of tied Pennsylvania House after GOP candidate bows out". WHYY. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
- "The Issues". Friends of Jesse Topper. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
- "Franklin County representatives condemn Lt. Gov. John Fetterman's upcoming 'listening tour' stop". WPMT FOX43. April 18, 2019.
- "Divorces". Altoona Mirror. March 20, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2024.