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Mike Turzai
Mike Turzai (Republican Party) was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing District 28. Turzai assumed office in 2001. Turzai left office on June 15, 2020.
Turzai (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to represent District 28. Turzai won in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Turzai resigned from the legislature on June 15, 2020, after announcing earlier in the year that he would not run for re-election.[1] He subsequently accepted the position of general counsel at Peoples Gas, a natural gas service provider for western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky.[2][3]
He served as speaker of the House beginning in January 2015 until he left office in June 2020.[4][1] He previously served as the House majority leader from 2011 to 2014.[5]
Prior to his election to the state legislature, Turzai served as vice president of the Bradford Woods Borough Council and as assistant district attorney for Allegheny County.[6] In 2000, he served as a representative to the Republican State Committee.
Biography
Turzai earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 and his J.D. from Duke University in 1987. His professional experience includes working as an attorney for Houston Harbaugh since 1992 and as an Assistant District Attorney for Allegheny County.
Committee assignments
2019-2020
Turzai was assigned to the following committees:
2017 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:
| Pennsylvania committee assignments, 2017 |
|---|
| • Committee On Committees |
| • Rules |
2015 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Turzai served on the following committees:
Note: As Speaker of the House, Turzai serves as ex-officio on all standing committees.
| Pennsylvania committee assignments, 2015 |
|---|
| • Committees |
| • Joint State Government Commission |
| • Rules |
| • Joint State Government Commission |
2013-2014
In the 2013-2014 legislative session, Turzai served on the following committees:
| Pennsylvania committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Committees |
| • Rules, Chair |
| • Joint State Government Commission |
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Turzai served on these committees:
| Pennsylvania committee assignments, 2011 |
|---|
| • Rules, Chair |
| • Joint State Government Commission |
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Turzai served on these committees:
| Pennsylvania committee assignments, 2009 |
|---|
| • Rules |
Issues
Transportation
In November 2013, a bill to raise gasoline taxes and registration fees for vehicles and drivers failed in the state House by a vote of 103-98. A second proposal was withdrawn after it became clear the bill would not have support to pass. The second bill, proposed by Turzai, would spend $900 for deteriorating highways, mass transit systems, and bridges. A third proposal from state rep. Mike Hanna was not allowed a floor vote by Republican leaders. In June 2013, the state Senate passed a different transportation bill, totaling $2.5 billion, by a 45-5 margin, but the state House has not mustered enough support to bring the bill to the floor.[7]
State gambling
In November 2013, the state House approved a gambling expansion bill by a vote of 102-96. The bill would allow Pennsylvania bars and taverns to conduct “small scale gambling” such as raffles and drawings for cash prizes. A similar bill was approved by the Senate in October 2013, but the House-passed bill must be agreed to before the measure becomes law. Republican proponents of the bill say the state could raise almost $156 million annually in tax revenue if as many as 2,000 bars and taverns accept it. Turzai said in support of the bill, "I do think the fact that it had a positive impact on the budget was an additional positive factor." Opponents of the legislation say the bill would not produce the promised revenue and would hurt families.[8]
Liquor privatization
In November of 2010, Tom Corbett voiced his support for the privatization of the 621 state liquor stores before he assumed his position as Governor of Pennsylvania. He joined State House Republicans, including Turzai.[9]
On March 5, 2013, Turzai introduced House Bill 790, and the bill was referred to the Liquor Control Committee.[10][11] This bill was the legislative form of Corbett's January 30, 2013, proposal to privatize the state-owned liquor stores and use the revenue to increasing funding for education. The governor's plan would see the state's liquor and wine stores auctioned off, while big box stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores would be able to sell limited quantities of beer and, in the case of big box stores and supermarkets, wine. Restaurants, already able to sell beer, would be able to sell customers up to six bottles of wine, while retail beer distributors could obtain licenses to sell beer, wine, and liquor, instead of only beer. The auctions and licensing fees would generate an estimated $1 billion over four years. Under Corbett's plan, these funds would be distributed to school districts using a formula based on their student enrollment and income level. The block grants would fund "school safety; early learning; science, technology, engineering and mathematics course programming; and 'individual learning.'"[12] The Commonwealth Foundation, a pro-market think tank, commended Corbett for his privatization proposal. The Foundation noted in a January 30, 2013, press release that Pennsylvania loses tax revenue when residents go to other states to buy alcohol and that the government had spent $10 million to establish its own wine brand to compete against privately owned wineries. Polls showed most Pennsylvanians favored privatization.[13] After HB 790 was reported to the House by the Liquor Control Committee on March 18 and then by the Appropriations Committee on March 21, the House passed the bill 105-90 on March 21.[11] This amended version of the bill would privatize the wholesaling of wine and spirits within one year, require the government liquor stores in any given county to shut down within six months after the number of private stores double those of the government, and provide education credits and civil service hiring preferences to employees of the government stores.[14]
Following its House passage, HB 790 was sent to the Senate. Pileggi reasserted his emphasis on "looking for ways to increase convenience, and selection at a competitive price" rather than privatization. He indicated that bill would be changed before passage in the Senate. Corbett refused to publicly comment on how he would approach negotiations with the Senate but reaffirmed his support for privatization.[15] As of August 21, 2013, HB 790 has been referred to the Appropriations Committee in the Senate.[16]
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2020
Mike Turzai did not file to run for re-election.
2018
General election
General election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 28
Incumbent Mike Turzai defeated Emily Skopov in the general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 28 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Mike Turzai (R) | 54.4 | 18,322 |
 | Emily Skopov (D)  | 45.6 | 15,330 | |
| Total votes: 33,652 | |||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 28
Emily Skopov advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 28 on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Emily Skopov | 100.0 | 3,992 |
| Total votes: 3,992 | |||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 28
Incumbent Mike Turzai advanced from the Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 28 on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mike Turzai | 100.0 | 5,127 |
| Total votes: 5,127 | |||
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2016
Elections for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on April 26, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was February 16, 2016.
Incumbent Mike Turzai defeated John Craig Hammond in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 28 general election.[17][18]
| Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 28, General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Mike Turzai Incumbent |
65.25% | 24,327 | |
| Democratic | John Craig Hammond | 34.75% | 12,958 | |
| Total Votes | 37,285 | |||
| Source: Pennsylvania Department of State | ||||
Incumbent Mike Turzai ran unopposed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 28 Republican primary.[19][20]
| Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 28 Republican Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Republican | Mike Turzai Incumbent (unopposed) | |
John Craig Hammond (D) received enough votes as a write-in candidate to appear on the general election ballot.[21]
2014
Elections for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 11, 2014. Incumbent Mike Turzai was unopposed in the Republican primary and unchallenged in the general election.[22][23][24]
2012
Turzai ran in the 2012 election for Pennsylvania House District 28. Turzai ran unchallenged in the April 24 primary and was unchallenged in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012. [25][26]
Turzai was expected to run for the U.S. congress in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. On January 25, however, he announced he had ultimately decided against running.[27]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Turzai Incumbent |
100% | 30,236 | |
| Total Votes | 30,236 | |||
2010
Turzai ran for re-election to District 28 in 2010. He had no primary opposition and defeated Democrat Sharon Brown in the general election on November 2, 2010.[28]
| Pennsylvania State House, District 28 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Mike Turzai (R)
|
21,943 | 77.2% | ||
| Sharon Brown (D) | 6,465 | 22.8% | ||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Turzai won re-election to District 28 of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He received 27,268 votes, defeating Brad Cline (9,521).[29]
| Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 28 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Mike Turzai
|
21,431 | 74.1% | ||
| Brad Cline | 9,521 | 25.9% | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Pennsylvania scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2020
In 2020, the Pennsylvania State Legislature was in session from January 7 to November 30.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to civil rights and civil liberties issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
2018
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show]. |
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In 2018, the Pennsylvania General Assembly was in session from January 2 through November 30.
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2017
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show]. |
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In 2017, the Pennsylvania General Assembly was in session from January 3 through December 31.
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2016
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show]. |
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In 2016, the Pennsylvania General Assembly was in session from January 5 through November 30.
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2015
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show]. |
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In 2015, the Pennsylvania General Assembly was in session from January 6 through December 31.
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2014
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show]. |
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In 2014, the Pennsylvania General Assembly was in session from January 7 through November 12.
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2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
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In 2013, the Pennsylvania General Assembly was in session from January 2 to December 31.
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2012
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show]. |
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In 2012, the Pennsylvania General Assembly was in session from January 3 to November 30.
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2011
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2011, click [show]. |
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In 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly was in session from January 4 through November 30.
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2016 Republican National Convention
- See also: Republican National Convention, 2016
| Mike Turzai | |
| Republican National Convention, 2016 | |
| Status: | At-large delegate |
| State: | Pennsylvania |
| Bound to: | Donald Trump |
| Delegates to the RNC 2016 | |
| Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • Delegate rules by state • State election law and delegates • Delegates by state | |
Turzai was an at-large delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention from Pennsylvania.[30] Pennsylvania’s 14 at-large delegates and its three RNC delegates were bound by the results of the state primary election to support Donald Trump at the national convention. As of July 13, 2016, Trump had approximately 1,542 delegates. The winner of the Republican nomination needed the support of 1,237 delegates. Trump formally won the nomination on July 19, 2016. Pennsylvania’s 54 district-level delegates were elected directly by voters in the state primary election as unpledged delegates, meaning they were not bound to vote for any specific candidate at the national convention.
Delegate rules
At-large delegates from Pennsylvania were selected at the summer meeting of the State Committee on May 21, 2016. They were allocated to the statewide winner of the state primary election. Pennsylvania's 54 congressional district delegates were directly elected on the primary ballot as unbound delegates. They were not required to disclose which candidate they supported at the time of their election.
Pennsylvania primary results
| Pennsylvania Republican Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | Delegates | |
|
Donald Trump |
56.6% | 902,593 | 17 | |
| Ted Cruz | 21.7% | 345,506 | 0 | |
| John Kasich | 19.4% | 310,003 | 0 | |
| Jeb Bush | 0.6% | 9,577 | 0 | |
| Marco Rubio | 0.7% | 11,954 | 0 | |
| Ben Carson | 0.9% | 14,842 | 0 | |
| Totals | 1,594,475 | 17 | ||
| Source: The New York Times and Pennsylvania Secretary of State | ||||
Delegate allocation
Pennsylvania had 71 delegates at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Of this total, 54 were district-level delegates (three for each of the state's 18 congressional districts). According to the Republican National Committee, Pennsylvania's district delegates were "elected on the primary ballot as officially unbound," meaning that these delegates were not required to pledge their support to the winner of the state's primary.[31][32]
Of the remaining 17 delegates, 14 served at large. Pennsylvania's at-large delegates were allocated on a winner-take-all basis; the plurality winner of the state's primary received all of the state's at-large delegates. In addition, three national party leaders (identified on the chart below as RNC delegates) served as bound delegates to the Republican National Convention. The RNC delegates were required to pledge their support to the winner of the state's primary.[31][32]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Turzai and his wife, Dr. Lidia Turzai, have three children.
See also
- Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- House Committees
- Pennsylvania General Assembly
- Joint Committees
- Pennsylvania state legislative districts
External links
- Search Google News for this topic
- Profile from Open States
- Legislative profile from Project Vote Smart
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Campaign Contributions: 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 PennLive, "Pa. House Speaker Turzai to leave his seat on June 15 and pass the torch to ‘this generation of new leaders’," June 10, 2020
- ↑ PoliticsPA, "Turzai Named General Counsel of Peoples Gas," June 16, 2020
- ↑ Peoples, "About Us," accessed June 17, 2020
- ↑ Rep. Mike Turzai, "About Me," accessed February 6, 2019
- ↑ articles.philly.com/, "GOP picks Smith, Turzai as new Pennsylvania House leaders," accessed May 2, 2014
- ↑ Pennsylvania House of Representatives, "Mike Turzai," accessed February 6, 2019
- ↑ WatchDog.org, "Going nowhere: Two GOP-backed transportation bills fail House vote; Dem plan blocked," accessed December 11, 2013
- ↑ WatchDog.org, "Gambling expansion bill heads to Pennsylvania Senate," accessed December 9, 2013
- ↑ PA Independent, "Privatization of State Liquor Stores Could Yield $2 Billion," accessed May 15, 2014(Archived)
- ↑ Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Turzai: House could get liquor privatization bill soon," accessed March 5, 2013
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Pennsylvania General Assembly, "Bill information Pennsylvania House Bill 790," accessed March 7, 2013
- ↑ Philadelphia Inquirer, "Corbett's new liquor privatization plan would benefit public schools," accessed February 1, 2013
- ↑ Commonwealth Foundation, "Liquor Proposal Delivers Convenience," accessed January 30, 2013
- ↑ Commonwealth Foundation, "What's in New Liquor Liberty Bill?" accessed March 18, 2013
- ↑ CBS Philly, "Pa. House Passes Liquor Store Privatization; Hurdles Loom In Senate," accessed March 21, 2013
- ↑ Open States, "HB790," accessed August 20, 2013
- ↑ Pennsylvania Voter Services, "Candidate listing," accessed August 31, 2016
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "November 8, 2016, official election results," accessed May 17, 2017
- ↑ Pennsylvania Secretary of State, "Election Information," accessed February 18, 2016
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "2016 Presidential Primary," accessed August 2, 2016
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Write in winners from April 26, 2016, primary election," accessed June 9, 2016
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Official primary results for May 20, 2014," accessed July 9, 2014
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "2014 Official Candidate Listing," accessed March 21, 2014
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "2014 General Election," accessed December 5, 2014
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Official Primary Results," accessed April 15, 2014
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "2012 Primary Candidate List," April 15, 2014
- ↑ Pittsburgh Post Gazette, "Turzai decides against for Congress," accessed January 26, 2012
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "2010 General Election Results," accessed May 2, 2014
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Official 2008 General Election Results," accessed April 15, 2014
- ↑ PAGOP, "Asher, Toretti Re-Elected To Republican National Committee At 2016 PA GOP Summer Meeting," May 21, 2016
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Republican National Committee, "2016 Presidential Nominating Process," accessed October 6, 2015
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 CNN.com, "Republican National Convention roll call vote," accessed July 20, 2016
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by ' |
Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 28 2001–2020 |
Succeeded by Rob Mercuri (R) |
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State of Pennsylvania Harrisburg (capital) |
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