State Rep. John Maher Isn't Seeking Re-Election

PETERS TOWNSHIP, PA - John Maher, who has represented several of Pittsburgh’s southern suburbs in the state House for more than two decades, has decided not to seek re-election this year. Maher, who represents the 40th District that includes Peters Township, Upper St. Clair and part of Bethel Park, has accepted a fellow’s position at Cambridge University in England.

“While I have no known opposition for re-election and this decision was very difficult, I wanted to make an announcement in time for credible candidates to emerge for the open seat,” Maher said in a statement. “”It is simply time for me to get on with my life’s work.”

Maher, of Upper St. Clair, has served in the House since 1997. He perhaps is best known for writing the state open records law, which made it easier for the public to access government documents. He also wrote lobbying legislation that ended Pennsylvania’s distinction as the nation’s only state that did not regulate lobbying.

Maher currently chairs the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and sits on the House Professional Licensure Committee.

A certified public accountant, Maher is a magna cum laude graduate of Duke University, with a bachelor’s degree in management sciences-accounting. He also completed scholarship studies at Oxford University and the Australian Graduate School of Management.

Photo: Pennsylvania House of Representatives.