07/26/2026
Unfortunately you may have received a political attack message going around that completely misrepresents my record and the facts about second-degree murder sentencing.
Here’s the truth:
I supported the bipartisan Senate compromise that established a 35-year mandatory minimum for second-degree murder, preserved life without parole in certain especially serious cases, and ensured victims’ families have a voice.
I helped lead the fight to fix the problem. When House Democrats failed to act as the Supreme Court deadline approached, I called on the Speaker to bring us back to Harrisburg. They finally did so just one day before the deadline.
Instead of simply passing the bipartisan Senate compromise and sending it to the Governor to meet the deadline, radical House Democrats amended it to include provisions more favorable to criminals than victims. That's what I voted against.
The House passed their amended, softer-on-crime version 102–100, forcing the legislation back to the Senate—and the Supreme Court deadline was missed without a new law in place. The official legislative record documents exactly what happened.
The consequences are serious. Approximately 1,100 people serving life sentences for second-degree murder may now seek resentencing, including hundreds from Philadelphia.
That is also why Larry Krasner matters. His District Attorney’s Office represents the Commonwealth in Philadelphia cases when defendants return to court seeking resentencing and with the courts saying that he misled them to release convicted murderers it is problematic.
My position was clear: pass the bipartisan compromise, establish serious sentences for second-degree murder, protect victims’ rights, and meet the Supreme Court deadline.
The political attacks from HDCC whose only priority is to ensure Democrats control all parts of the state government in Harrisburg ensures these pro criminal anti victim bills will pass.
Look at the legislation. Look at the votes. Look at the record.
I’ll put the receipts in the comments.
