Jesse Topper | |
---|---|
Minority Leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives | |
Assumed office January 7, 2025 | |
Preceded by | Bryan Cutler |
Member of the PennsylvaniaHouseofRepresentatives from the 78th district | |
Assumed office February 10,2014 | |
Preceded by | Dick Hess |
Personal details | |
Born | Jesse Willis Topper September 19,1981 Bedford,Pennsylvania,U.S. |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Christy Smith (divorced) |
Children | 2 |
Education | Frostburg State University (BA) |
Website | State House website Campaign website |
Jesse Willis Topper [1] (born September 19,1981) is an American politician currently representing the 78th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2014. [2] A Republican,he is the minority leader of the House.
Topper was born on September 19,1981,to John and Ruth Topper. [2] [1] He was home schooled and graduated from Frostburg State University magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in music performance. [1] [3]
Topper won a special election on January 28,2014,to succeed state representative Dick Hess,who died during his term. [4] [5] 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. [1]
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]
Topper is socially and fiscally conservative. He is also pro-life and a "strong supporter" of the Second Amendment. [8] Topper opposes legalizing adult use cannabis in Pennsylvania. [9]
Topper was married to Christy Smith and had two sons. The couple divorced in 2021. [2] [10] Topper previously served as a minister at a United Methodist Church in his hometown. [1]