Full Breakdown
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Ejected Over Patriotic Suit Jacket Ahead of America250
7/3/2026, 1:28:56 AM
The Incident
On June 30, 2026, Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-58th District, Westmoreland County) was removed from the Pennsylvania House after wearing a red-and-white striped jacket with a star-patterned tie to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. House Speaker Joanna McClinton called the attire a “costume” that violated House decorum and ordered security to ask him to remove the jacket or leave. Davanzo chose to leave, saying he would not apologize for his patriotism.
Context
The House, controlled by a one-seat Democratic majority, was debating a budget that has missed its deadline for five years. Pennsylvania’s Senate requires “professional attire,” but the House has no explicit dress code, leaving the speaker’s interpretation as the operative standard. The incident coincided with statewide America250 concerts and fairs.
Key Actors
- Rep. Eric Davanzo – Chairman of the America First Caucus, sponsor of a $250-check bill for the semiquincentennial.
- Speaker Joanna McClinton – First Black speaker of the Pennsylvania House.
- Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington County) – Republican Whip who noted that camouflage jackets are routinely permitted.
- Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) – Democrat who called the jacket “very patriotic.”
- Nicole Reigelman – McClinton’s spokesperson.
Official Responses
McClinton’s office said House Democrats were focused on passing a responsible budget and that the removal was about maintaining decorum. Davanzo argued that Pride-themed clothing was allowed in June, making his outfit a double standard. Republican Rep. Stephanie Borowitz and Whip O’Neal pointed to other members wearing camouflage jackets and hats without reprimand.
Criticism
Davanzo claimed Democrats wore Pride shirts, hats and tennis shoes throughout June without challenge, labeling the episode “hypocrisy” and linking it to the state’s affordability crisis. He said the focus on his jacket distracted from pressing policy issues.
Conflicting Details
Sources spell the speaker’s name as “Joanna” or “Jonna,” and no formal House dress-code exists, leaving the procedural basis for the ejection unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will never apologize for putting patriotism before politics,” — Rep. Eric Davanzo, Republican State Representative
- “The House Democrats came to Harrisburg this week to do the serious work of passing a responsible budget to benefit all Pennsylvanians,” — Spokesperson for Speaker Joanna McClinton
- “As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, apparently patriotic attire is not allowed," O'Neal said.” — Rep. Tim O’Neal, Republican Whip
- “a very colorful jacket the representative is wearing today. Very patriotic, I see, my friend.” — Rep. Jordan Harris, Democrat
Implications
The dispute highlights partisan tension over symbolic expression and may affect upcoming budget negotiations and the November 2026 elections in the 58th District. Davanzo indicated he may test the ruling again, while the House is slated to reconvene before a July 4 recess.
