Greg Rothman

William Gregory Rothman is a former American politician and businessman who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022, representing the 87th district. A member of the Republican Party, Rothman was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate in 2022 and later became the chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party in 2025. His career has included various roles in both the political and business sectors, as well as military service.

Early life and career

Greg Rothman was born on December 10, 1966, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He completed his secondary education at Cumberland Valley High School, graduating in 1985. Following high school, he pursued higher education and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1989. Rothman furthered his academic credentials by earning a Master of Science degree in real estate from Johns Hopkins University in 2005.

In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, Rothman enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He served honorably and rose to the rank of staff sergeant before being discharged in 2001. His military service contributed to his leadership skills and commitment to public service.

Before entering elected office, Rothman was active in political campaigns and local party leadership. He served as the chair of the Bush-Cheney 2004 re-election campaign in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Additionally, he volunteered as an aide on Rick Santorum's 2012 presidential campaign, where he was frequently seen accompanying the candidate.

Legislative service

Rothman's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in August 2015. This election was a special election to fill a vacancy in the 87th district, which became available following the resignation of Glen Grell. The district encompasses areas such as Camp Hill, East Pennsboro Township, Hampden Township, and a portion of Silver Spring Township, where Rothman resides.

During his tenure in the House, Rothman was reelected multiple times, securing victories in the elections of 2016, 2018, and 2020. His leadership within the party was evident when he served as the chair of the Cumberland County Republican Party in 2016. Rothman was also involved in national politics, supporting Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2016 and taking part in the Republican National Convention, where he helped manage convention operations.

Rothman's legislative focus included a range of issues. In 2019, he sponsored legislation aimed at expediting the eviction process in Pennsylvania, which garnered support from landlord organizations but faced opposition from tenant and low-income housing advocates. He also advocated for a reduction in the state's corporate net income tax and sought to abolish the inheritance tax in Pennsylvania.

One of his notable legislative achievements was his role in passing a law that established 21 as the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, with exceptions for active-duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans. This legislation drew criticism from tobacco control groups due to the exemptions included.

In 2020, Rothman was appointed chair of the House Republican Campaign Committee, where he led the campaign efforts for the Pennsylvania House Republicans. The following year, he supported a bill aimed at enhancing voting credibility by requiring voter identification, a measure that was ultimately vetoed by Governor Tom Wolf.

In 2022, Rothman transitioned from the House to the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he was elected to represent the 34th district. In this role, he has been appointed to various committees, including Game & Fisheries, Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Banking & Insurance, Education, Finance, Rules & Executive Nominations, and Transportation.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his time in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Rothman focused on several key policy areas that reflected his Republican values and the interests of his constituents. His legislative efforts often centered on economic issues, including tax reform and business regulations. Rothman advocated for reducing the corporate net income tax, which he believed would benefit businesses and stimulate economic growth in Pennsylvania. His push to eliminate the inheritance tax was also aligned with a broader Republican agenda aimed at reducing the financial burden on families.

Rothman's approach to housing policy was marked by his sponsorship of legislation to shorten eviction timelines, which was intended to address concerns regarding landlord-tenant relationships. However, this initiative highlighted the complexities of housing policy, as it faced opposition from advocacy groups representing tenants and low-income individuals.

In addition to economic and housing issues, Rothman was involved in public health legislation, particularly regarding tobacco use. His support for raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products was part of a larger public health initiative, although it faced scrutiny from various advocacy groups.

As a representative of the 87th district, Rothman worked to address the needs of his constituents, which included a diverse population across multiple municipalities. His engagement in local issues and responsiveness to community concerns were critical aspects of his legislative service. Rothman's political career has been characterized by his commitment to Republican principles and his efforts to navigate the challenges of governance in Pennsylvania.

Rothman's subsequent election as chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party in 2025 marked another significant step in his political journey, reflecting his ongoing influence within the party and his continued dedication to public service. His career trajectory illustrates a blend of military, business, and political experiences that have shaped his approach to governance and policy-making in Pennsylvania.