Pennsylvania special election set after Republican Seth Grove resigns amid lobbying controversy
A special election in Pennsylvania has been scheduled on May 19 to fill the seat formerly held by state Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), who resigned last week while in the middle of ethics concerns.
A special election in Pennsylvania has been scheduled on May 19 to fill the seat formerly held by state Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), who resigned last week while in the middle of ethics concerns.
The special election will be held the same day as Pennsylvania’s primary elections. Grove, who has represented Pennsylvania’s 196th Legislative District since 2008, resigned after he was hit with conflict-of-interest concerns regarding his second job. Last May, the Pennsylvania Aggregates & Concrete Association (PACA) appointed Grove as its president and CEO, a job he started last month.
PACA advocates for the aggregate, concrete and cement industries by lobbying the Pennsylvania state government. The organization’s website employs a dedicated lobbyist.
Conflict of interest concerns
Although Grove denied that his role would involve lobbying, his colleague, state Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Alleghany) said it represents a “huge conflict of interest.”
“He is getting a paycheck to advocate for an industry,” said Kinkead. “And being in the legislature gives him information on things that are moving and an insider track to things that are either going to help or harm that industry.”
In a press release, Grove did not give a reason for his resignation. Spotlight PA asked Grove if his new job with PACA had anything to do with his early departure, to which he reportedly replied, “Nope. Just done.”
According to state law, lawmakers are not allowed to lobby the state legislature until one year after they leave office. However, a loophole exists that could allow Grove to lobby government bodies other than the state House.
“Former official or employee. No former public official or public employee shall represent a person, with promised actual compensation, on any matter before the governmental body with which he has been associated for one year after leaving that body,” the law says.
Grove went viral in 2023 when he expressed concern over miniature golf prices if the state raised its minimum wage.
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