PA House Speaker Mike Turzai Announces Retirement

McCANDLESS, PA - Pennsylvania House Speaker Mike Turzai announced Thursday that he is retiring from public office after nearly 20 years as a state representative and five years as speaker. Making the announcement from his district office in suburban Pittsburgh, Turzai said he made the decision after consulting with family members.

"I will not be asking my neighbors to nominate or elect me to another term," he said.

Often mentioned as a potential gubernatorial candidate in 2022, Turzai said he has no current plans to seek another elected office. He said he hopes to take a position in the private sector.

Turzai has been among state government's most strident conservatives, championing restrictions on abortion rights and calling for governmental spending reductions.

Turzai is one of at least 14 state representatives who have announced plans to retire.

He represents the 28th Legislative District, which is composed of the following Allegheny County communities in suburban Pittsburgh: Marshall, McCandless, Pine, Bradford Woods and Franklin Park.