Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Friel begins second term, will focus on building strong communities

Friel begins second term, will focus on building strong communities

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Paul Friel was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his second term serving the 26th Legislative District.

Friel said that he will fight to increase opportunities for farms, businesses, schools and families to thrive.

“I am incredibly grateful to serve as state representative for a second term. I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance policies that build healthy communities and promote economic opportunity for all in Chester County and Pennsylvania,” said Friel, D-Chester. “Together we will continue to find ways to strengthen our public schools, support our farms and farmers, and attract businesses that provide good, family-sustaining jobs.”

In his first term, Friel advanced bipartisan legislation to allow employer contributions to PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts, accelerated reform to the state’s net operating loss tax deduction to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness and passed in the House his proposal to safeguard and improve how Pennsylvania uses food processing residue to fertilize farm fields.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly is currently in its 209th consecutive legislative session, which began on Jan. 1, 2025, and will run through Nov. 30, 2026.

The Oath of Office was administered by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd, and the invocation was given by Bishop Maureen L. Davis, who is pastor of the Open Door Mission True Light Church, located in Philadelphia.

Before taking office, Friel made a career in the manufacturing, retail and environmental sectors. He was owner of PACE Environmental, an environmental testing and engineering firm. Friel grew up in Gilbertsville and graduated from St. Pius X High School and Temple University. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary, and together they raised four children in the Owen J. Roberts School District.

The 26th Legislative District includes parts of Chester County consisting of the townships of East Coventry, East Nantmeal, East Pikeland, East Vincent, North Coventry, South Coventry, Warwick and West Nantmeal, and the boroughs of Elverson, Phoenixville and Spring City.