Goughnour Takes Oath as New 35th Rep

By Staff Reports
The Tube City Almanac
April 07, 2025
Posted in: State & Region

Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly applaud newly sworn-in State Rep. Dan Goughnour, his wife, Lauren, and their children, Gavin, Gannon and Gracelynn. (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania photo)

Dan Goughnour took the oath of office at the state Capitol on Monday to become the new representative for Pennsylvania’s 35th Legislative District.

Goughnour was joined by his wife Lauren and their children, Gavin, Gannon and Gracelynn, along with McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko, City Administrator Tom Maglicco and other guests and Mon-Yough area officials.

“Swearing in a new member is always a special occasion in the state House of Representatives,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton said.

“I know that Rep. Goughnour will leverage his 16 years of experience as a public servant and local elected official to work on policies that will help his Mon Valley neighbors and communities across the state thrive,” she said.

Earlier Monday, the Allegheny County Board of Elections certified the election results from the special election held March 25.

Goughnour will fill the remaining months in the term of the late State Rep. Matt Gergely, who died in January after a brief illness.

“I’m honored and privileged to advocate for the rights and needs of western Pennsylvanians and those across the Commonwealth,” Goughnour said in a statement.

“I would also be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the great achievements and example set by my predecessor, Matt Gergely,” he said. “I want to honor his legacy and do my part to institute positive change. I look forward to working with my new colleagues in the House to make this goal possible.”

A graduate of McKeesport Area schools and the Allegheny County Police Academy, Goughnour served for more than 16 years as a McKeesport police officer, including as a detective for juvenile crimes, and a short stint as captain of the detective bureau. His career also includes being on the McKeesport Area School District board.

In addition to the city, the 35th District includes Clairton, Duquesne, Homestead, Liberty Borough, Lincoln Borough, Munhall, Port Vue, South Versailles Twp., Versailles, White Oak and parts of West Mifflin.

Goughnour said his legislative priorities include strengthening public safety measures and increasing funding for first-responder agencies; boosting job training programs to provide more opportunities for residents; supporting public schools; and working to reduce the cost of everyday essentials for families.

With Goughnour’s election, the General Assembly is restored to its full 203-member complement. Democrats currently hold a one-seat edge in the lower chamber; Republicans control the state Senate.

McClinton said she looks forward to working with Goughnour, and added that the McKeesporter is joining the state House at a busy time. Several bills are waiting to advance, she said, and the legislature is currently debating the state budget, which is due by June 30.

“The state House is getting a lot done, and every bill we’ve advanced so far has received bipartisan support,” she said. “We’ll continue to work together across the aisle and with the Senate to craft laws that help all Pennsylvanians.”

Members of the Teamsters union cheered the election of Goughnour, a longtime member of Local 205, which represents police officers and public employees throughout Western Pennsylvania, as well as workers at Turner Dairy Co., the Rivers Casino and several waste hauling companies.

“We were all proud to support Dan,” said Carl Bailey, president of Joint Council 40 and secretary-treasurer of Local 205, in a press release. “I’ve known him since he first started at the McKeesport Police Department. He’s very active in the community and a great member of our local. That’s why I’m so confident he’ll be a strong representative in the capital.”

The Teamsters union said that eight other Pennsylvania legislators also have connections to the union, including two others from Allegheny County, State Sens. Wayne Fontana and Lindsey Williams.

Goughnour thanked members of the Teamsters for their support during the abbreviated campaign before the special election.

“I’m ready to hit the ground running, but I know I’ve got a lot to learn,” Goughnour said in a release. “One of my top priorities is going to be making sure I have the backs not just of my fellow Teamsters, but of all our union brothers and sisters across Pennsylvania.”

Originally published April 07, 2025.

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