Joe Emrick has spent his political career quietly voting to strip away rights from LGBTQ+ people, women, and public school students—while avoiding public accountability. As a Republican state representative in Pennsylvania’s 137th District, he has aligned himself with the national anti-equality movement through votes, silence, and strategic inaction.
From supporting anti-trans sports bans to backing constitutional efforts to outlaw abortion, Emrick has consistently sided with the far-right fringe—even as his suburban Biden-won district moves in the opposite direction.
Now, after two narrow re-election wins and growing pressure from progressive organizers in Northampton County, Emrick may finally be out of time. Agenda PAC is watching—and organizing to make sure he’s held accountable.
Key Vulnerabilities
Extensive Anti-LGBTQ+ Voting Record: Emrick’s vote for HB 972 aligned him with the far-right push to ban trans kids from school sports. The bill was vetoed, but his record remains.
Constitutional Attacks on Abortion: Emrick voted for HB 1500 to amend the state constitution and block abortion protections—an extreme and preemptive move in the post-Roe era.
Opposition to LGBTQ+ Rights: Emrick has never supported nondiscrimination legislation or LGBTQ+-inclusive policy. His silence and votes speak volumes.
Swing District Dynamics: Emrick represents a suburban district in Northampton County that is trending Democratic. His last two elections were decided by less than 4%.
Joe Emrick is a veteran lawmaker clinging to power in a district that’s moved past him—clinging, too, to a legislative record that targets LGBTQ+ youth and strips away reproductive rights. He doesn’t lead on policy; he obstructs progress. And in a suburban district that voted for Joe Biden and nearly unseated him twice, Emrick’s extremism is finally catching up with him.
He has:
Voted to ban trans students from playing school sports consistent with their gender identity.
Supported a constitutional amendment to block abortion rights in Pennsylvania.
Repeatedly refused to support nondiscrimination protections, LGBTQ+ inclusion, or reproductive healthcare access.
