Rep. John Hornaman (D-Erie) was born in 1947 and has been a resident of Millcreek Township since 1952. After graduating from McDowell High School, he earned a B.S. in economics from Gannon University. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1970 and 1971. He established a painting contracting business, Creative Wall Finishes, and operated it for 30 years prior to becoming a member of the House of Representatives. He also served on the Act 101 Solid Waste Committee of Erie County from 2005 to 2006.

Hornaman is heavily involved in issues pertaining to veterans, volunteer fire departments and alternative energy – especially off-shore wind.

Hornaman is married to his college sweetheart, JoAnn. They have two daughters, Dr. Pamela Tronetti of Titusville, Florida, and Amelia Patsilevas of Pittsburgh. They also have three grandchildren: Francesca, recently graduated from Brandeis University; Alexandra, who recently graduated from the University of North Carolina; and Patrick, a U.S. Army Combat Engineer specializing in explosion ordinance disposal, currently serving overseas.