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.

Hornaman has served on the vestry of his church for 12 years, and is currently head of the Building and Grounds Committee. In addition, he served on the Act 101 Solid Waste Committee of Erie County from 2005 to 2006.

Hornaman is married to his college sweetheart, JoAnn. They have two daughters, Dr. Pamela Tronetti of Titusville, Florida, and Amelia Marx of Pittsburgh. They also have three grandchildren: Francesca, who attends Edinboro University; Alexandra, attending Carnegie Mellon University; and Patrick, a U.S. Army Combat Engineer, currently serving in Afghanistan.