Kerry A. Benninghoff is a Republican state representative for Pennsylvania's 171st House District, covering parts of Centre and Mifflin counties, including townships like Gregg, Haines, and Miles in Centre County, and Armagh, Bratton, and Granville in Mifflin County. First elected in 1996, he has served continuously, holding key leadership roles such as Majority Leader, Majority Whip, Majority Policy Committee Chairman, and currently Republican Chairman of the House Transportation Committee for the 2025-26 session. A fiscal conservative and small government advocate, he champions lower taxes, government reform, spending controls, property tax relief, Second Amendment rights, pro-life legislation, and expanded health care access. Notable achievements include authoring legislation allowing adoptees to access original birth certificates, ending re-victimization of rape victims in parental rights cases, terminating Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 emergency powers, and founding the bipartisan Cancer Caucus. He resides in Bellefonte with his family, including five children and grandchildren; his daughter Ryleigh passed away from cancer in 2010.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from State College Area High School; attended Pennsylvania State University; completed the Certified Coroners Training Program in Hershey.
• Early Career: Worked in construction and as a hospital orderly; served two terms as Centre County coroner.
• Political Experience: Elected to the Pennsylvania House in 1996 for District 171 ; advanced through roles including Majority Policy Committee Chairman , Majority Whip , Majority Floor Leader , and chairs of Finance and State Government committees; current committees include Gaming Oversight and Rules.