U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, R-7th, took the oath of office Jan. 3 becoming the district’s new representative for the 119th Congress.

“It is an incredible honor to be entrusted by the people of the Greater Lehigh Valley with the duty of representing them in Congress,” Mackenzie said. “As a ninth-generation resident of our region, I look forward to working on behalf of everyone throughout the region in pursuit of a safer, stronger and more prosperous America.

“As I’ve said for the past year, our nation faces big challenges and people want a change in direction from the failed policies offered up over the past few years. They want new leaders committed to securing the border, standing up for working families and seniors and reducing the chaos we see around the world. I’m looking forward to putting my experience to work in addressing those challenges, particularly on my committees – education and the workforce, foreign affairs and Homeland Security.

“We also know we have tremendous opportunities within our grasp. We can once again power the world with our energy resources, create good-paying jobs for more Americans and become an example to the rest of the world of what is possible.

“In the coming days, we will have more announcements about district office locations and services to help the people throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley. Since the election, we have worked hard to assemble a great team of professionals who are prepared to work for our community. We are ready and eager to get started, and we look forward to serving everyone throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.”

Pennsylvania’s 7th congressional district includes all of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties and parts of Monroe County.

On Jan. 2, Mackenzie announced staffing appointments.

“I’ve been working to ensure we have the strongest possible team serving the residents of the Greater Lehigh Valley,” Mackenzie said. “As I know from my time as a Pennsylvania state representative, residents count on their state and federal representatives – especially members of Congress – to assist with a multitude of issues and needs. That’s why I’ve placed a priority on hiring experienced, friendly and talented staff members for our office who will be ready to work on behalf of our communities. I’m proud to introduce several of our senior staff members.”

Julia Hearthway, chief of staff

Hearthway brings extensive experience in government service to the position of chief of staff for Mackenzie. She previously served in the federal government as director of the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs at the U.S. Department of Labor during the first Trump administration. Before her federal service, Hearthway served in Pennsylvania state government as judge on the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and chief deputy attorney general for the State of Pennsylvania.

“I’m honored to be a part of Mackenzie’s team and excited to play a role in making the government work for the people once again,” Hearthway said. “I have known the Congressman-elect for over a decade and I know he is among a new generation of leaders that America needs to get the country back on track.”

Andres Weller, deputy chief of staff

Weller most recently served as the campaign manager for the Mackenzie for Congress Committee. A talented manager and organizer, he has strong connections in communities throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley that will assist him in providing excellent representation at the federal level. Weller previously served as a legislative aide in Mackenzie’s office and is a lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley.

Paige Riegner, district director

Riegner joins Mackenzie’s congressional office from his state representative team, where she served as chief of staff. In that role, she oversaw constituent services, outreach initiatives and communications, coordinated the representative’s legislative plan and advised the representative on policy decisions.

Riegner is ideally suited to the job of ensuring the district residents get the help they need from district offices conveniently located throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Arnaud Armstrong, communications director

Armstrong will continue his communications work after serving as communications director for Mackenzie’s congressional campaign.

Armstrong is a lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley and he looks forward to keeping people across the Greater Lehigh Valley up-to-date on Mackenzie’s work and the services available through his office.