Lou Barletta

Representative Lou Barletta represents the people of Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District. A position he has held since being sworn in on January 5th, 2011.

Congressman Barletta currently serves on the Education and Workforce Committee, which will focus on how our nation can improve its educational system so we have competitive, qualified workers in the future.

He also serves as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which will play a critical role in economic development and job growth in Northeastern Pennsylvania. 

Born and raised in Hazleton, he left his family businesses to create his own company with his wife, Mary Grace, building one of the largest companies of its type in the country.

Barletta’s political carrier began with his election to Hazleton City Council in 1998.  He went on to win the race for Mayor in 2000 and was re-elected with over 90% of the vote.  As Mayor, Lou Barletta inherited a massive budget shortfall.  Through tough, fiscally responsible decisions, Barletta was able to turn his city around.

In addition to the financial crisis, he was faced with a very serious illegal immigration problem in Hazleton. His leadership on this issue earned him national attention for his first-of-its-kind Illegal Immigration Relief Act which has served as a blueprint for many other communities across America facing similar problems.

Because of his leadership, Hazleton is now enjoying one of the most impressive periods of revitalization in the city’s history.

Lou Barletta served as Mayor of the City of Hazleton until his election to Congress with 55% of the vote.

Lou and Mary Grace are the parents of four daughters, Kelly, April, Lindsey, and Grace, and have one grandson, Gabriel Louis.