State House control unclear ahead of chamber’s speaker vote

FILE – The Pennsylvania state Capitol is seen on Dec. 14, 2020, in Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania’s statewide elections agency said in a court filing Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, that it is moving ahead with plans for special elections to fill three House vacancies in early February unless a court orders otherwise. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Partisan control of the state House of Representatives is hanging in the balance as Pennsylvania lawmakers, their families and supporters arrive at the state Capitol to start a new two-year legislative session. In addition to taking their oaths of office on Tuesday, state representatives must elect a speaker to serve as their chamber’s presiding officer. The November election was so close that what is normally a highly scripted event is instead a moment of drama and uncertainty. Democrats flipped a net of 12 seats in November. That’s the minimum amount needed to take over the chamber, but one member died and two others have resigned.