New state Sen. Tom Killion (R-9) takes the oath of office, Wednesday, in the state Senate Chambers in Harrisburg. Killion won a special election April 26 to replace retiring state Sen. Dominic Pileggi.
HARRISBURG — Tom Killion (R-9) was sworn into office as the state senator representing the 9th Senatorial District in Delaware and Chester counties during a ceremony Wednesday in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol in Harrisburg.
Killion won a special election on April 26 over Democrat Marty Malloy to represent the citizens of the 9th Senatorial District. The two will be rematched in the November election.
Killion replaces former Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, who resigned his senate seat after being sworn in as a judge in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in January.
He was sworn into office by the Honorable Chad F. Kenney, President Judge of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Prior to his election to the Senate, Killion served as a state Representative for the 168th Legislative District and was Chairman of the Delaware County Council. He also founded two local small businesses. A graduate of Penn State University, Senator Killion and his wife Eileen live in Middletown and have two adult daughters.
“I’m honored and excited to work hard and to represent my new district and ensure that state government is open and accountable,” Killion said in a statement. “My top priorities are to help create jobs and economic opportunities and improve our schools so children have the skills they need to succeed.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) said Killion’s experience in both the public and private sector will be an asset to the Senate.
“I congratulate Sen. Killion on being selected by voters of the 9th Senatorial District to be their voice in Harrisburg,” Scarnati said in a statement. “Tom’s continued commitment to fostering economic growth, creating family-sustaining jobs and implementing government reforms will be a great addition to the Senate,” Scarnati said. “With his background in both the private sector and public service, he will certainly bring great perspective to the table as we work through the 2016-17 state budget and the numerous other important issues facing our Commonwealth.”
Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-34) said that as a small business owner and former member of the House Appropriations Committee, Killion will help to promote economic development and fiscal responsibility.
“With his depth of experience, Tom Killion is a welcome addition to the Senate,” Corman said in a statement. “He brings with him a lifelong commitment to and enthusiasm for serving the people of the southeast as an advocate for issues such as open space and policies that create jobs especially opportunities for small businesses,” Corman said. “His election strengthens our majority and serves as confirmation that the Senate is moving Pennsylvania in the right direction.”
With Killion’s swearing-in the Senate Republican majority has expanded to 31 members in the 50-seat chamber.
