HARRISBURG – Senator Devlin Robinson (R-37) took his oath of office to begin his first term as a Pennsylvania state senator at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Harrisburg today.
Senator Robinson was sworn in by the Honorable Kenneth A. Mummah, President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Perry and Juniata counties.
He won election to the Senate seat in November. Senator Robinson’s swearing-in can be viewed here.
“I am honored my friends and neighbors have entrusted me to be their voice in Harrisburg,” Senator Robinson said. “It’s an incredible privilege to have the opportunity to serve the people of my district. I will work hard on their behalf to be an open, accessible, and effective advocate for them.”
Senator Robinson said his priorities include reducing crushing taxes and regulatory overreach that have stifled economic opportunity and holding the line on spending and taxes. He also said he is committed to full, fair and consistent funding for school districts and supports reforming Pennsylvania’s public pension system.
“We are facing a number of daunting challenges in Pennsylvania,” Senator Robinson said. “It is my goal to help find solutions to these problems for the people of our area and throughout the Commonwealth.”
A native of southwestern Pennsylvania, Senator Robinson was raised in the working-class Brookline neighborhood of Pittsburgh and attended Central Catholic High School. After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps – continuing a family tradition of military service dating back four generations.
Following the 9/11 attacks, Senator Robinson requested assignment to the infantry, ensuring him a spot on the front lines. He served one combat tour in Afghanistan and two in Iraq, where as an infantryman in Nasiriyah (“ambush alley”) his unit fought door-to-door to rescue Army POW Jessica Lynch. He also later served in Fallujah.Upon his honorable discharge, Senator Robinson returned home to Pittsburgh and founded his own company, Veterans Medical Technology. Under the GI Bill, he earned a business degree from Robert Morris University and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School of Business.
A resident of Bridgeville PA, Senator Robinson is active in several philanthropic groups – including the Semper Fi Odyssey, Bridgeville/South Fayette International Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of the Hibernians, Peters Township VFW, Bridgeville American Legion, Bethel Park Marine Corps League, and St. Barbara Catholic Church.
Senator Robinson volunteers with numerous veterans’ organizations in and around the 37th District and is the PA State Commander for the Italian American War Veterans.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Weitzel – eweitzel@pasen.gov