Justin Simmons (politician)


Justin Simmons is an American politician and member of the Republican Party who is serving his fourth term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represents the 131st District.

Early life and education

He was born in 1986 in Pennsylvania, raised in the Lehigh Valley and graduated from Southern Lehigh High School and Saint Joseph’s University.
Simmons served as an intern for then-Congressman Pat Toomey. He later served as a legislative aide for State Senators Rob Wonderling and Bob Mensch, during which time he conducted research for legislation, ran the Northampton County district office and attended events within the district.
He also served as a Republican committeeman within Lehigh County and as president of the Lehigh Valley Young Republicans.

Political Career

Simmons was first elected to the Pennsylvania State House in November 2010, after defeating incumbent Republican Karen Beyer in the May primary.
As State Representative, he has stated that he favors selling the state liquor stores and reducing the size of the state Legislature. He has also said he supports term limits, part-time status for members of the General Assembly and operating on a two-year budget cycle. Simmons has also promised to refuse per diems, a state-owned vehicle and a pension.
In 2017, he sought the Republican nomination for the 15th Congressional District but dropped out early in the race. He came under scrutiny during his bid for having missed 498 votes since first taking office. In addition, he had claimed on social media to have voted in favor of an anti-animal cruelty bill despite being absent during the vote.
He announced in 2020 that he would not seek reelection to the PA House of Representatives.