Jesse Willis Topper[2] (born September 19, 1981) is an American politician currently representing the 78th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2014. A Republican, he is the minority leader-elect of the House.
Jesse Topper | |
|---|---|
| Minority leader-elect of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives | |
| Assuming office January 7, 2025 | |
| Succeeding | Bryan Cutler |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 78th district | |
| Assumed office February 10, 2014[1] | |
| Preceded by | Dick Hess |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 19, 1981 Bedford, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence(s) | Bedford, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Education | Frostburg State University (BA) |
| Website | jessetopper www |
Early life and education
editTopper was born on September 19, 1981, to John and Ruth Topper.[2][1] He was home schooled and graduated from Frostburg State University magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in music performance.[3] [2]
Political career
editTopper won a special election on January 28, 2014, to succeed Pennsylvania State Representative Dick Hess, who died during his term.[4][5] He was reelect to four more consecutive terms. Prior to his election as a state representative, Topper served on the Bedford Borough Council for two years.[2]
In November 2024, Topper was elected to serve as minority leader of the Republican caucus in the House for the 2025-2026 legislative session.[6][7]
Political positions
editTopper is fiscally and socially conservative. He is also pro-life and a "strong supporter" of the Second Amendment.[8] Topper opposes legalizing adult use cannabis in Pennsylvania.[9]
Personal life
editTopper was married to Christy Brallier and had two sons. The couple divorced in 2021.[1][10] Topper previously served as a minister at a United Methodist Church in his hometown.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c "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.
- ^ a b c d e "Jesse W. Topper". Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives. Retrieved November 24, 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.
- ^ "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.