Pa. House GOP leader diagnosed with breakthrough case of covid

Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre County, is quarantining at home after being diagnosed with a breakthrough case of covid-19.

Benninghoff, 59, who was fully vaccinated against the coronavirus earlier in the year, developed mild symptoms prior to the Thanksgiving holiday and got tested. On Monday, he received his test results confirming a positive diagnosis, according to a statement released by the House Republican Caucus.

He has not been in the Capitol since Nov. 18. The statement said that out of an abundance of caution, he has been in quarantine since his test last week. His spokesman Jason Gottesman said due to the timing of his last vaccination, Benninghoff told him he is not eligible yet to receive a booster shot.

“I am thankful for the health care professionals who have helped me, and many others, through this process,” Benninghoff said in the statement.

“I will continue to follow their advice and all covid-19 protocols of the House Republican Caucus before ending my quarantine. My symptoms are mild, and I am working from home as my offices in Bellefonte, Reedsville and Harrisburg continue to serve the people of the 171st District and deliver on a productive agenda for the people of Pennsylvania.”

The House is not scheduled to be back in session until Dec. 13.

Benninghoff, who was first elected to the House in 1996, has held the position as his caucus’ floor leader since June 2020.