HARRISBURG, PA – November 12, 2026 − The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today elected its leadership team for the 2027-28 legislative session, their first as the Senate majority caucus in over three decades.
The Senate Democratic Caucus proudly welcomes four new members, who participated in today’s election: Eileen Hartnett Albillar (Senate District 6), Mark Pinsley (Senate District 16), Chris Thomas (Senate District 24) and Brian Wrightson (Senate District 40).
The new and returning members have elected the following leadership team:
- President Pro Tempore Nominee – Jay Costa, Jr. (Allegheny)
- Senate Majority Leader – Maria Collett (Montgomery)
- Appropriations Committee Chair – Vincent Hughes (Philadelphia)
- Caucus Whip – Steve Santarsiero (Bucks)
- Chair – Lisa Boscola (Northampton)
- Policy Committee Chair – Nick Miller (Lehigh)
- Secretary – Sharif Street (Philadelphia)
- Administrator – Marty Flynn (Lackawanna)
Additionally, Senator Tina Tartaglione (Philadelphia) has been appointed to serve the Deputy President Pro Tempore. Senator Nick Pisciottano (Allegheny) has been appointed to serve as the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee.
“I am extraordinarily proud and humbled to be entrusted with the upcoming nomination to the role of President Pro Tempore. I am deeply grateful to have earned the confidence of my fellow Democratic Senators to be nominated to lead this chamber through the 2027-28 legislative session,” said Senator Jay Costa. “The Senate Democratic Caucus is eager to hit the ground running alongside Governor Josh Shapiro and the House of Representatives to deliver critical legislation that will benefit every Pennsylvanian. Our mandate from the people of Pennsylvania is clear: We must increase wages, bring down costs, invest in our downtowns, support our public schools, ensure healthcare is accessible, build homes, and deliver a window to justice for adult survivors of childhood abuse. There is much work to be done to meet this critical moment, and we are prepared to rise to this challenge. I am thankful and ready for this incredible opportunity.”
“I am humbled and honored that my colleagues have entrusted me to serve as the next Senate Majority Leader,” said Senator Collett. “I feel the weight of that trust every bit as much as the privilege of it. I am just as mindful of the responsibility handed to us by the people of Pennsylvania, who have sent Senate Democrats to the majority for the first time in a generation because they want a government that works for them. Together, we will lower costs for working families, raise the minimum wage, strengthen our schools, protect fundamental rights, and build an economy that offers opportunity to every community. I am ready to get to work.”
“I’m thankful to my fellow Senate Democrats for unanimously electing me Majority Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. I am honored that they have placed their trust in me to help lead this historic Senate Democratic majority in the next session. I look forward to working with them to make a profound and meaningful impact across Pennsylvania,” said Senator Vincent Hughes. “We have a lot of work to do. I am confident that in working with Governor Shapiro, House Democrats, and the minority party, we will make Pennsylvania an even better place to raise a family, get a quality, affordable education and get a good-paying job. Under Senate Republican leadership, the Senate was a place where good ideas went to die. That will end on January 5, 2027, when Democrats lead the Senate and we start to get stuff done.”
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