Three months into his eighth term representing the southeastern corner of Butler County, state Rep. Jeff Pyle, R-60th, announced Tuesday he is retiring because of health issues.

Pyle, 56, of Armstrong County, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in February 2005. It returned in his chest in October 2017. He suffered a stroke in 2020, and he continues his rehabilitation and cancer treatment, he said in his announcement.The 60th district includes Winfield and Buffalo townships in Butler County and parts of Armstrong and Indiana counties.Pyle served as the majority chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee for the 2021-22 legislative session.The remainder of Pyle's two-year term will be determined in a special election likely to be conducted on the same day as the May 18 primary, said Mike Straub, communications director for House Speaker Bryan Cutler, R-100th.Due to House protocol, Pyle's retirement won't be entered into the House record until Wednesday, Straub said. After the retirement is recorded, Cutler will issue a writ of election scheduling the special election, he said.“Most likely it will be held on the same day as the primary,” Straub said.“It has been a privilege to serve the residents of the 60th Legislative District for more than 16 years, but it's time to now put my health first,” Pyle said in a statement. “I will miss advocating for my constituents and working to improve the lives of those living and working in our area. As a young boy growing up in Armstrong County, I would never have dreamed that I would be elected to represent my community in Harrisburg. What an honor it has been.”Pyle graduated from Ford City High School in 1982 and from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1986. He also graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in secondary education in 1991.State Sen. Joe Pittman, R-41st, whose district partially overlaps Pyle's, called Pyle an advocate for the 60th district.“Not only is he a passionate advocate for the 60th House District, but most importantly, a trusted friend and ally in Harrisburg,” Pittman said. “He has served the people of his district faithfully for many years. Despite the challenges placed in front of him, he continues to overcome them. He was elected to fight for the constituents of the 60th district, and he has made his voice heard loud and clear throughout Harrisburg. I am honored to call him a friend, and I also stand with him as he continues to fight through this battle.”Cutler called Pyle a great representative and best friend.“I was fortunate enough to get a firsthand look at how Rep. Pyle approached his work early in my career, because Jeff and I shared an office space here in the Capitol,” Cutler said. “Even in recent years, when Rep. Pyle faced his own challenges, he never wavered in his relentless efforts to improve the lives of those he represents, and he set an example for each of us to try and follow. He was a great member and best friend.”Pyle has served two sessions as chairman of the Liquor Control Committee. He previously chaired the House Gaming Oversight Committee.Pyle led the Second Amendment Caucus and Coal Caucus each for 10 years. He is the only Pennsylvania legislator to receive an A rating from the National Rifle Association for 16 consecutive years, he said.Pyle also worked with Butler County Community College to open a campus in Ford City.

Jeff Pyle