Representative Robert E. Merski

Robert E. Merski is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing the 2nd Legislative District, which encompasses Erie County.

Born on May 14, 1975, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Merski grew up in the community he now represents. His commitment to public service was influenced by his father, Robert Gary Merski, who previously served as Sheriff of Erie County. Merski learned the importance of personal humility and listening to community needs through his father's approach to leadership.

Merski currently resides in Erie with his wife, Emily, and their son, Robert.

Education

Merski graduated from Cathedral Preparatory School in 1993. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Mercyhurst University in 1999 and later obtained a Master of Science in Educational Development and Strategies from Wilkes University in 2015.

Political Experience

Before his election to the state legislature, Merski worked as a social studies and elementary education teacher in Erie's Catholic schools, the Corry School District, and most recently the Erie City School District, where he taught for 16 years. During his teaching career, he served as a representative and officer in the Erie Education Association and the Northwestern Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Merski was elected to the Erie City Council in 2011, becoming one of the youngest ever elected to that body. He served on City Council for seven years until 2018.

In 2018, he ran for the state House seat after the incumbent announced his retirement due to a terminal cancer diagnosis. Merski won the Democratic primary with 47% of the vote and defeated Republican Tim Kuzma in the general election with 65% of the vote.

Merski has been elected to the Pennsylvania House in 2018, 2020, and 2022. His current committee assignments include Game & Fisheries, Gaming Oversight, Insurance, and Urban Affairs.

Beyond his formal positions, Merski has co-founded the South East Hills Neighborhood Watch in 2007 and the South East Erie Farmers Market in 2009. He has also served on the boards of the Erie Arts Opportunity Local Education Fund, the Economics Pennsylvania Advisory Board, and the St. Vincent Health Center Foundation.