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Jesse Topper

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jesse Topper
Minority leader-elect of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Assuming office
January 7, 2025
SucceedingBryan Cutler
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 78th district
Assumed office
February 10, 2014[1]
Preceded byDick Hess
Personal details
Born
Jesse Willis Topper

(1981-09-19) September 19, 1981 (age 43)
Bedford, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
EducationFrostburg State University (BA)
Websitejessetopper.com
www.reptopper.com

Jesse Willis Topper[2] (born September 19, 1981) is an American politician currently representing the 78th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2014. A Republican, he is the minority leader-elect of the House.

Early life and education

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Topper was born on September 19, 1981, to John and Ruth Topper.[1][2] He was home schooled and graduated from Frostburg State University magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in music performance.[2][3]

Political career

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Topper won a special election on January 28, 2014, to succeed Pennsylvania State Representative Dick Hess, who died during his term.[4][5] He was reelect to four more consecutive terms. Prior to his election as a state representative, Topper served on the Bedford Borough Council for two years.[2]

In November 2024, Topper was elected to serve as minority leader of the Republican caucus in the House for the 2025-2026 legislative session.[6][7]

Political positions

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Topper is fiscally and socially conservative. He is also pro-life and a "strong supporter" of the Second Amendment.[8] Topper opposes legalizing adult use cannabis in Pennsylvania.[9]

Personal life

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Topper was married to Christy Brallier and had two sons. The couple divorced in 2021.[1][10] Topper previously served as a minister at a United Methodist Church in his hometown.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "SESSION OF 2014 198TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No. 11" (PDF). Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislative Journal. Pennsylvania General Assembly. February 10, 2014. p. 3. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Jesse W. Topper". Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  3. ^ "Representative Jesse Topper". Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  4. ^ "Topper wins 78th District House seat". January 29, 2014. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014.
  5. ^ Brown, Ryan (January 29, 2014). "Topper wins 78th District state House seat". The Altoona Mirror. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
  6. ^ "Pennsylvania House Republicans pick new floor leader after failing to regain majority". AP News. November 12, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  7. ^ Turner, Ford (November 12, 2024). "Pa. House Republicans pick Jesse Topper as new leader after failure to win majority". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  8. ^ "The Issues". Friends of Jesse Topper. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  9. ^ "Franklin County representatives condemn Lt. Gov. John Fetterman's upcoming 'listening tour' stop". WPMT FOX43. April 18, 2019.
  10. ^ "Divorces". Altoona Mirror. March 20, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
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