Jesse Topper
Jesse Willis Topper is an American politician currently representing the 78th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2014. A Republican, he is the minority leader of the state House.
Early life and education
Topper was born on September 19, 1981, to John and Ruth Topper. He was home schooled and graduated from Frostburg State University magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in music performance.Political career
Topper won a special election on January 28, 2014, to succeed state representative Dick Hess, who died during his term. He was reelected to four more consecutive terms. Prior to his election as a state representative, Topper served on the Bedford Borough Council for two years.In November 2024, Topper was elected to serve as minority leader of the Republican caucus in the House for the 2025–2026 legislative session. Following the 2024 election, Topper stood as the Republican nominee for speaker of the house. Democrats won a one seat majority in the election, but Representative Matthew Gergely was absent from the vote due to a medical episode, leaving the chamber tied. Topper thus withdrew his name from consideration for speaker, allowing Joanna McClinton's reelection.