Lynda Schlegel Culver resigned on Tuesday from the state House of Representatives to be sworn in as the state senator from the 27th senatorial district.
Culver, 53, of Northumberland County, handily beat Democrat Patricia Lawton to a Jan. 31 special election to fill the open seat vacated in November by former longtime Sen. John Gordner.
Gordner resigned to take on a different role in the chamber in serving as counsel to Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland County.
Culver will serve out the remainder of Gordern’s term which expires on Nov. 30, 2024.
Her family and supporters were on hand to witness the administration of the oath of office to her by Northumberland County President Judge Paige Rosini.
With her being seated in the Senate that brings that chamber to its full complement of 50 senators and brings the Republican majority to 28 members in that chamber. At the same time, her departure from the House leaves that chamber with 202 members and reduces the GOP ranks to 100 members until a special election is held to fill her 108th House District seat.
Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy.