Friel sworn in, begins first term as state representative
Rep. Paul Friel January 3, 2023
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester, took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin his first term representing the 26th District.
The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Friel defeated 30-year incumbent Timothy Hennessy in the November election to become the district’s first Democratic representative since the early 1990s.
Friel said he plans on bringing his experience as former president of the Owen J. Roberts School Board to focus on educational reform, making sure that high-quality public education is available to every child, regardless of where they live, and preparing each student in the commonwealth for college, if they choose, a career and civic life.
The former owner of PACE Environmental, Friel said he will leverage his experience in the industry to enact smart environmental policy based on science that protects the health and safety of Pennsylvanians and provides a clear roadmap for economic investment.
“Today is a monumental day, not just for me, but for all of Pennsylvania,” Friel said. “I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to bring forth the change Pennsylvanians want to see in their government.”
Friel said he will announce when his district office, still being set up, is ready to open for constituents. In the interim, constituents can contact him via email at RepFriel@pahouse.net.
Residents also can learn more about Friel and the services his office provides by visiting his website at RepFriel.com, or by visiting his Facebook at facebook.com/RepFriel.
Friel was sworn in alongside 25 other first-term Democratic Caucus members.