Rep. Michael P. McGeehan, D-Philadelphia, a lifelong resident of Northeast Philadelphia and now in his 11th consecutive term, is the longest-serving state representative for the 173rd Legislative District.

McGeehan, recently appointed Democratic chair of the House Transportation Committee, is also the first Pennsylvania House member from Philadelphia to chair that panel. The committee oversees all operations of transportation in the Commonwealth including highways, airports, train service, public transit, ports and the Turnpike Commission.

Before accepting the challenge of the Transportation Committee chairmanship, McGeehan was the majority chairman of the Pennsylvania House Professional Licensure Committee, which considers legislation and regulations dealing with the 29 boards and commissions under the State Board of Professional and Occupational Affairs.

For 18 years, Rep. McGeehan was a member of the Pennsylvania House Labor Relations Committee, spearheading key fire safety and protection initiatives.