HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania state Rep. Matt Gergely, D-Allegheny, hospitalized following a medical emergency in December, died Sunday. He was 45.
Gergely suffered the emergency during the holiday season and was unable to be sworn into office for his second term when the Pennsylvania House reorganized Jan. 7.
The House Democratic Caucus announced his death and asked for privacy for his family. Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered U.S. and Commonwealth flags be flown at half-staff on public grounds until Gergely’s interment and invites all Pennsylvanians to do the same.
“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. 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 reads.
“Matt’s offices in McKeesport, Munhall and Clairton will remain open and fully staffed to keep serving the people he loved.”
Gergely was one of three Allegheny County Democrats to win special election in February 2023 and serve in the state House, succeeding Austin Davis in the 35th Legislative District after he became Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor. He was reelected in November.
Gergely’s death leaves the 203-member House at a 101-101 tie. House Speaker Joanna McClinton will call a special election at a later date.
“We join in grieving the loss of our friend and colleague, Rep. Matt Gergely. Matt left behind a young family, and we send them our condolences, as well as our thoughts and prayers,” a statement on behalf of the House Republican leaders reads. “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.”
Gergely advanced a pair of bills into law in his short time as a state representative.
Act 6 of 2024 was intended to protect and preserve plasma donated within the commonwealth, requiring extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals, according to a statement from his office announcing the bill’s success.
Act 57 of 2024 might have more public familiarity. Gergely’s legislation made multiple changes to Pennsylvania’s Liquor Code benefitting bar and restaurant owners. It increased the number of weekly happy hours from 14 to 24, permitted the creation of combo meal deals that include an alcoholic beverage and permanently codified rules to establish temporary outdoor dining areas.