John R. Gordner (born January 5, 1962) is an American attorney and politician. A Republican, he represented the 27th District in the Pennsylvania State Senate (2003–2022) and the 109th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1993–2003). He is a former Democrat, having switched parties in 2001.[5]
John Gordner | |
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Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 27th district | |
In office November 24, 2003[1] – November 30, 2022[2] | |
Preceded by | Edward Helfrick |
Succeeded by | Lynda Schlegel Culver |
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 109th district | |
In office January 5, 1993[3] – November 24, 2003[4] | |
Preceded by | Ted Stuban |
Succeeded by | David R. Millard |
Personal details | |
Born | Berwick, Pennsylvania, U.S. | January 5, 1962
Political party |
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Spouse | Lori |
Education | Dickinson College (B.A.) Dickinson School of Law (JD) |
Alma mater | Berwick Area High School |
Gordner was born on January 5, 1962, in Berwick, Pennsylvania, the son of Carl L. and Shirley Gordner. He graduated from Berwick Area High School in 1979. Gordner earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College in 1983 and a Juris Doctor degree from Dickinson School of Law in 1987.[6]
Gordner was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1992 and served 11 years in that body.[7][8]
In 2001, Gordner changed political parties from Democrat to Republican.[5]
In 2003, he won a special election to represent Pennsylvania's 27th Senate District, replacing Ed Helfrick, who abruptly retired from the Senate earlier that year.[9][10]
In 2022, Gordner resigned from the State Senate to become counsel to incoming President pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate Kim Ward.[11]
Gordner is married to his wife, Lori. They have two children.[6]