Flags across Pennsylvania are flying at half-staff to honor State Representative Matthew Gergely, who passed away on Sunday (January 19) after experiencing a medical issue over the holidays. Governor Josh Shapiro announced the tribute on Monday (January 20), inviting all Pennsylvanians to participate. The flags will remain lowered until sunset on the date of Gergely's interment.
Representative Gergely, a Democrat from Allegheny County, was 45 years old. He was known for his dedication to children and working families in his hometown of McKeesport and throughout Allegheny County. The Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus expressed their sorrow, stating, "Matt will be desperately missed in Harrisburg and we know his passing is a tremendous loss to his communities in Western Pennsylvania."
Governor Shapiro also shared his condolences on social media, saying, "Lori and I are heartbroken for Rep. Matt Gergely’s wife Holly, their two young sons, his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and the community he loved and proudly served in his hometown of McKeesport."
A special election will be called by the state House speaker to fill Gergely's seat. Currently, the state House is evenly split with 101 Republicans and 101 Democrats.
For more information, visit the official website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.