Joanna E. McClinton is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives serving the 191st District, which spans parts of Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, including West and Southwest Philadelphia, Yeadon, and Darby. A lifelong resident of southwest Philadelphia, she won a special election in 2015 to replace Ronald Waters, securing 70% of the vote, and has been reelected since. She made history as the first African-American woman elected House Democratic Caucus Chair in 2018, the first woman House Democratic Leader in 2020, and the 141st Speaker of the Pennsylvania House since February 28, 2023—the first woman and second Black person in that role. Notable achievements include leading passage of free breast cancer screenings, gun control measures like red flag laws and expanded background checks, and prioritizing the K. Leroy Irvis Voting Rights Act.

Education and Political Experience

• Graduate of Grace Temple Christian Academy
• Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Leadership in Global Understanding from La Salle University
• Two-year internship with WDAS radio station

Political Experience

• Elected to Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 191st District in special election, 2015
• Secretary/Treasurer of the Philadelphia County Delegation
• House Democratic Caucus Chair
• House Democratic Minority Leader ; Majority Leader
• Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives