John R. Gordner (born January 5, 1962) is an American attorney and politician. A Republican, he represented the 27th District in the Pennsylvania State Senate (2003–2022) and the 109th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1993–2003). He is a former Democrat, having switched parties in 2001.[5]

John Gordner
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate
from the 27th district
In office
November 24, 2003 (2003-11-24)[1] – November 30, 2022 (2022-11-30)[2]
Preceded byEdward Helfrick
Succeeded byLynda Schlegel Culver
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 109th district
In office
January 5, 1993[3] – November 24, 2003[4]
Preceded byTed Stuban
Succeeded byDavid R. Millard
Personal details
Born (1962-01-05) January 5, 1962 (age 62)
Berwick, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political party
SpouseLori
EducationDickinson College (B.A.)
Dickinson School of Law (JD)
Alma materBerwick Area High School

Early life and education

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Gordner was born on January 5, 1962, in Berwick, Pennsylvania, the son of Carl L. and Shirley Gordner. He graduated from Berwick Area High School in 1979. Gordner earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College in 1983 and a Juris Doctor degree from Dickinson School of Law in 1987.[6]

Political career

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Gordner was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1992 and served 11 years in that body.[7][8]

In 2001, Gordner changed political parties from Democrat to Republican.[5]

In 2003, he won a special election to represent Pennsylvania's 27th Senate District, replacing Ed Helfrick, who abruptly retired from the Senate earlier that year.[9][10]

In 2022, Gordner resigned from the State Senate to become counsel to incoming President pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate Kim Ward.[11]

Personal life

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Gordner is married to his wife, Lori. They have two children.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Senator John Gordner Announces Resignation from Senate" (PDF). Legislative Journal. Pennsylvania Senate. 2003-11-24.
  2. ^ Ulrich, Steve (November 28, 2022). "State Senator John Gordner Resigns". PoliticsPA.
  3. ^ "SESSION OF 1993 - 177TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - No. 1" (PDF). Legislative Journal. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 1993-01-05.
  4. ^ "SESSION OF 2003 187TH OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No. 96" (PDF). Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislative Journal—House. November 24, 2003. pp. 7–8. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  5. ^ a b Bull, John (2 October 2001). "State House's Gordner switches to GOP". Post Gazette. Retrieved 2020-06-29.
  6. ^ a b "John R. Gordner". Pennsylvania State Senate. Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  7. ^ "John R. Gordner (Democrat)". Official Pennsylvania House of Representatives Profile. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Archived from the original on 2001-08-03.
  8. ^ "John R. Gordner (Republican)". Official Pennsylvania House of Representatives Profile. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Archived from the original on 2001-08-03.
  9. ^ "The winner is ... not us". The Daily Item. 2 November 2003.
  10. ^ "2003 Special Election 27th Senatorial District". Department of State. Retrieved 2020-06-29.
  11. ^ Murphy, Jan (November 28, 2022). "State lawmaker resigns to take a new role in the Pa. Senate". PennLive Patriot-News. Advance Local Media LLC. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
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