A Republican Pennsylvania State Representative has resigned from four state House committees this week following allegations that claim the legislator used a homophobic slur against a fellow politician.
During a House session on Tuesday, as committee reports were being read aloud, it was announced that State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-8th dist.) had resigned from four House committees in a statement that was met with applause.
During the House session it was announced that Bernstine had resigned from these four committees:
- House Insurance Committee
- House Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations Committee
- House Labor and Industry Committee
- House Transportation Committee
These resignations were effective as of Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026.
Bernstine was replaced on each committee during the session on Tuesday, as well.
These resignations come on the heels of allegations against Bernstine that claim he “went on a homophobic tirade at a Harrisburg bar” making comments aimed at State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (D-181st dist.), who is gay.
NBC10 reached out to Rep. Bernstine’s office for comment.
“With just three legislative days remaining, my focus is on delivering results on the issues that matter most to Pennsylvanians,” Bernstine wrote in a statement to NBC10. “My attention is squarely on the priorities that still have a chance to become law before we adjourn: eliminating the gas tax, lowering Pennsylvania’s income tax, and passing skill games legislation to support small businesses. With this short amount time before the end of session, the real work is on the house floor and moving these issues ahead to help Pennsylvanians.”
In his own statement, Kenyatta said Bernstine’s “pattern of vile and deeply troubling behavior has long been known in Harrisburg.”
“Rep. Aaron Bernstine’s pattern of vile and deeply troubling behavior has long been known in Harrisburg,” said Kenyatta in a statement on Tuesday. “Today is an important first step in accountability. To every Pennsylvanian who has experienced hate, bigotry, or bullying, they should know they are not alone and that as a commonwealth, we are better than this. Rep. Bernstein must resign.”
Bernstine denied making any homophobic remarks and referred to the accusations against him as a political attack.
“The allegations attributed to me are false,” Bernstine said in a statement.
Bernstine admitted being at a Harrisburg bar as alleged, but he claims he was confronted by individuals opposed to amendments he intended to introduce on the floor of the House is Harrisburg.
NBC10 is working to learn more.
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