Jesse Topper

Topper was born on September 19, 1981, to John and Ruth Topper.^[2][1] He was home schooled and graduated from Frostburg State University magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in music performance.^[1][3]

Topper won a special election on January 28, 2014, to succeed state representative Dick Hess, who died during his term.^[4][5] He was reelected to four more consecutive terms. Prior to his election as a state representative, Topper served on the Bedford Borough Council for two years.^[1]

In November 2024, Topper was elected to serve as minority leader of the Republican caucus in the House for the 2025–2026 legislative session.^[6][7] Following the 2024 election, Topper stood as the Republican nominee for speaker of the house. Democrats won a one seat majority in the election, but Representative Matthew Gergely was absent from the vote due to a medical episode, leaving the chamber tied. Topper thus withdrew his name from consideration for speaker, allowing Joanna McClinton's reelection.^[8]

Topper is socially and fiscally conservative. He is also pro-life and a "strong supporter" of the Second Amendment.^[9] Topper opposes legalizing adult use cannabis in Pennsylvania.^[10]

Topper was married to Christy Smith and had two sons. The couple divorced in 2021.^[2][11] Topper previously served as a minister at a United Methodist Church in his hometown.^[1]