Dukes sworn in for short remaining state House term
State Rep. Brandon Dukes, D-12th, was sworn into office Tuesday, Sept. 8. He now officially represents the Cranberry-area district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Dukes, a Cranberry Township resident, was sworn in on the House floor at the state Capitol shortly after noon on Tuesday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab of the Middle District of Pennsylvania administered his oath.
“I look forward to providing my fellow residents with crucial state government services and advocating for their needs here in Harrisburg. I’d also like to thank my fellow House lawmakers, who have welcomed me with open arms as we work toward a better commonwealth,” Dukes said in a statement following the house session.
Dukes’ swearing-in increases the Democrats’ majority in the House of Representatives to 103-100. Republicans currently control the state Senate.
Dukes was sworn in weeks after eking out a victory in a special election to fill the remainder of the term of former Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, who resigned at the end of March.
Dukes beat his opponent, Republican Scott Timko, by 98 votes. Dukes is the first Democrat to hold the seat in over 25 years.
The special election received widespread attention in local and national media due to the Democratic victory in a traditionally Republican district just months from the November midterm elections. Voter turnout was 32%.
Dukes and Timko are facing off in a rematch in the general election Tuesday, Nov. 3, when voter turnout is expected to be higher. Both sides have already started campaigning for the November election.
The 12th state House District is made up of the townships of Cranberry, Adams and Jackson, as well as the boroughs of Callery, Evans City, Harmony, Mars, Seven Fields, Valencia and Zelienople.
