Dave Argall

David G. Argall (born November 21, 1958) is an American politician who is a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, elected in a special election on March 3, 2009 following the death of fellow Republican James J. Rhoades. He was elected a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1984 and served as Republican Whip from 2004 to 2008. Argall lost the 17th Congressional District election in 2010 after challenging incumbent Congressman Tim Holden.

Early life and education Argall earned a bachelor's degree in political science and international studies from Lycoming College and a master's degree in American studies at Penn State Harrisburg. In May 2006, he earned his Ph.D. in public administration from Penn State. Argall is a part-time instructor who has taught at Lycoming College and Penn State Schuylkill. He was elected to serve as the Republican Whip in 2004 and again in 2006.

Argall did not run for re-election to the post of Minority Whip in order to run for the State Senate seat from the 29th district which was vacated by the death and posthumous re-election of James J. Rhoades. He was elected to the seat over his Democratic opponent, Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts Steven Lukach, by a margin of 62% to 38%.

Committee Assignments As of July 2025, Argall serves as the Majority Policy Committee Chairman.

For the 2025-2026 Session Argall sits on the following committees in the Senate:

Institutional Sustainability & Innovation (Vice Chair) Agriculture & Rural Affairs Education Rules & Executive Nominations State Government Urban Affairs & Housing

2010 U.S. Congressional campaign

On January 11, 2010, Argall announced his intention to challenge incumbent Democratic Congressman Tim Holden in the November elections. Argall's state senate district covered much of the eastern portion of the congressional district, including Holden's hometown of St. Clair. On November 2, 2010, Argall's 95,000 votes weren't enough as he lost for the first time in his political career, falling to Holden's 118,486 votes. He did not have to give up his state senate seat to run for Congress; Pennsylvania state senators serve staggered four-year terms, and Argall was not up for reelection until 2012.

2025 Civics Bee controversy On April 16, 2025, Argall served as a volunteer judge of the National Civics Bee competition in Schuylkill County. A sixth grade student presented to the judges on the topic of book banning. When it was Argall's turn to talk to the student, he asked if she thought pornographic magazines should be allowed in kindergarten. When the student asked for clarification, Argall responded "pictures of naked people." Argall's part in the exchange was the subject of significant criticism on social media. Argall subsequently apologized for "citing an example that was itself not appropriate for this age group."