Kerry Benninghoff

Kerry Albert Benninghoff (born January 14, 1962) is an American politician and coroner serving as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 171st district. Elected in November 1996, he assumed office on January 7, 1997.

Kerry Benninghoff
Majority Leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In office June 22, 2020 – December 1, 2022
Preceded by	Bryan Cutler
Succeeded by	Joanna McClinton
Majority Whip of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In office December 1, 2018 – June 22, 2020
Leader	Bryan Cutler
Preceded by	Bryan Cutler
Succeeded by	Donna Oberlander
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 171st district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 7, 1997
Preceded by	Ruth C. Rudy
Personal details
Born	(1962-01-14) January 14, 1962 (age 63) Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Children	5
Education	Pennsylvania State University
Website	Official website

Early life and education

Benninghoff was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania on January 14, 1962.^[1] He graduated from State College Area High School and attended Pennsylvania State University from 1980 to 1981.^[2] He is also a graduate of the Certified Coroners Training Program of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.^[3]

Career

While working as an orderly at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania, Benninghoff was appointed as deputy coroner of Centre County, Pennsylvania in 1985.^[4] In 1991, when Coroner Robert Neff retired, Benninghoff was elected to the office. He was re-elected in 1995.

In 1996, when Representative Ruth Rudy retired, Benninghoff declared his candidacy to succeed her. He defeated Democrat Keith Bierly in the general election that year and has been re-elected to each succeeding session of the House.^[5]

In 2018, after being re-elected to the House, Benninghoff was elected by members of the Republican Caucus to serve as House majority whip.^[6]

On June 22, 2020, Bennighoff was elected House majority leader. As majority leader, Benninghoff is the second highest-ranking Republican in the chamber behind Speaker Bryan Cutler.^[7]

Benninghoff is against legalizing adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania. He has described it as a gateway drug and cites the opioid epidemic as a concern.^[8]

House of Representatives

For the 2025-2026 Session, Benninghoff sits on the following committees:^[9]

• Transportation (Republican Chair)
• Gaming Oversight
• Rules

Personal life

Benninghoff lives in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He has five children.^[2]