Cephas sworn-in for fifth term in PA House

Expected to continue leading PA Black Maternal Health Caucus and Philadelphia House Delegation

Philadelphia House Delegation    January 7, 2025 | 5:10 PM

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., took her oath of office today in a ceremony at the state Capitol in Harrisburg to begin her fifth term serving the 192nd Legislative District in the state House of Representatives. The oath was administered by Pa. Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd. Following her swearing-in, Cephas nominated state Rep. Joanna McClinton for speaker of the House who was then re-elected to continue serving as the first woman speaker in the history of the House.

“The grandeur of this day is always an inspiring way to begin our work in earnest,” said Cephas following the ceremony. “Nominating my neighbor and friend as the speaker was a special privilege and I’m eager to continue the work behind her leadership in the House.

“I’m anxious to renew our work to improve the quality of life for our working families in West Philadelphia with real relief, protections and opportunity for all.

“I look forward to continue leading the Philadelphia House Delegation. Issues surrounding our city will be a preeminent priority for the House in our early months as we look to solidify funding for SEPTA and transportation projects, address affordable housing, improve public safety, and uplift all Philadelphia communities.

“This will also be the first full session for the Pa. Black Maternal Health Caucus as we look to build on the momentum and victories of our PA MOMNIBUS legislative package addressing the troubling trends in Black maternal health across the state.”

Cephas is a co-chairwoman and co-founder of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus and is expected to be re-elected as the chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation later in January, leading the collective concerns of the 25 members who represent the state’s only city of the First Class.

Cephas’s assignments to official standing committees are expected in the coming weeks as the House organizes its business for the upcoming legislative session.

The Pa. General Assembly is constitutionally required to meet at noon on the first Tuesday of January every year, with the full House of Representatives taking the oath of office every odd year. The 192nd Legislative District comprises communities in West Philadelphia which are north and west of Market Street including Overbrook, Wynnefield, Carroll Park and more.