Weaknecht Takes Oath of Office to Begin First Term

January 7, 2025

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Eric Weaknecht (R-Berks) today took the oath of office to begin his first term in the state House of Representatives serving the 5th House District which consists of the following municipalities in Berks County: the townships of Bethel, Bern, Centre, Heidelberg, Jefferson, Lower Heidelberg, Marion, North Heidelberg, Ontelaunee, Penn, Perry, South Heidelberg, Spring and Tulpehocken; and the boroughs of Bernville, Centerport, Leesport, Robesonia, Shoemakersville, Wernersville and Womelsdorf.

For the 2025-26 Legislative Session, Weaknecht’s priorities include creating an economic environment that stimulates job creation and economic growth while reducing taxes and burdens on small businesses and working families, defending our state and federal constitutions, supporting law enforcement and the justice system, developing a world-class education system, and providing top-quality constituent services to residents of the 5th Legislative District.

“To serve the people of the 5th House District is a commitment and honor I do not take lightly,” shared Weaknecht. “I am excited to get to work and believe my past experience as Berks County sheriff will greatly benefit my legislative intents.”

Eric is a Berks County native who has devoted his life to serving his community. He continued his education at the Pennsylvania Sheriff/Deputy Sheriff Academy and began his career with the Berks County Sheriff’s Office in 1984 as a deputy sheriff.

His character and leadership were obvious, and he was soon promoted to assistant chief deputy sheriff in charge of the court division in 1996, and again promoted to the position of chief deputy sheriff in 1999. In 2007, Eric was elected sheriff of Berks County and was re-elected four times.

Eric was first appointed by Gov. Tom Corbett in 2012 to serve on the Deputy Sheriff’s Education and Training Board to advise the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency on the development and implementation of training programs for sheriffs and deputy sheriffs across the Commonwealth. Gov. Tom Wolf reappointed him and he served as the board's chairman until resigning to take over his new duties in the General Assembly.

Representative Eric Weaknecht
5th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Matthew Davis
717.787.3994
mdavis@pahousegop.com
repweaknecht.com