Bryan Cutler

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania House turned to a seven-term Republican member Monday to become its next speaker, elevating him to the chamber's top job a week after his predecessor, Allegheny County Republican Rep. Mike Turzai, stepped down in mid-term.

The vote for Rep. Bryan Cutler of Lancaster County made him the House's presiding officer, one step up from the job of majority leader, a post he held for nearly two years.

After he was sworn in, Cutler spoke of the state's founder, William Penn, as well as the challenges the state currently faces.

“I'm not giving up,” Cutler said. “And I believe every member of our body is here to accomplish more on behalf of the people who have sent us here.”

The roll call that was recorded had the vote at 110-91, with two Democrats voting for Cutler.

Cutler was formally nominated by Rep. David Hickernell, R-Lancaster, who praised him for seeking common ground. “I believe he will be one of those great speakers who will be remembered and who future speakers will try to emulate,” Hickernell said.

GOP representatives were expected to pick a new floor leader and make other leadership changes during a caucus meeting.

Cutler, 45, has moved up the ranks since being elected to the Legislature nearly 14 years ago. He served as Republican whip before becoming floor leader.

Turzai has announced he has been hired as general counsel for the Pittsburgh-based natural gas division of a utility company.