State lawmakers will be sworn into office next week, but some are questioning the eligibility of a Democratic senator-elect from western Pennsylvania.Lindsey Williams was elected in November, but the Republican majority is debating whether she should take office. There are questions about whether she meets the state constitutional requirement that senators must be "citizens and inhabitants" of Pennsylvania for four years before they're elected."I've always said that I meet all the residency requirements," said Williams. "And I won the election, so I just have to do what the voters wanted me to do, and that is serve the constituents of the 38th District."Williams provided 97 pages of documents and more information she says proves she was a resident in November 2014. She says she stayed with a friend before moving to her native Pennsylvania.When lawmakers are sworn in Tuesday, senators will vote whether to seat members. The vote is normally a formality, but Republicans could decide not to seat Williams.Jenn Kocher, a spokesperson for Senate Republicans, says it's a matter of upholding the constitution."Our members have all of the information that she has provided," Kocher said. "They are evaluating that themselves as to whether or not she meets the constitutional requirements."Williams has already set up her offices and plans to be in Harrisburg to be sworn in.If Williams isn't seated, the lieutenant governor has 10 days to call for a special election, and Williams could run again. The Republican committees in that district would choose a Republican candidate.

State lawmakers will be sworn into office next week, but some are questioning the eligibility of a Democratic senator-elect from western Pennsylvania.


Lindsey Williams was elected in November, but the Republican majority is debating whether she should take office. There are questions about whether she meets the state constitutional requirement that senators must be "citizens and inhabitants" of Pennsylvania for four years before they're elected.

"I've always said that I meet all the residency requirements," said Williams. "And I won the election, so I just have to do what the voters wanted me to do, and that is serve the constituents of the 38th District."

Williams provided 97 pages of documents and more information she says proves she was a resident in November 2014. She says she stayed with a friend before moving to her native Pennsylvania.

When lawmakers are sworn in Tuesday, senators will vote whether to seat members. The vote is normally a formality, but Republicans could decide not to seat Williams.

Jenn Kocher, a spokesperson for Senate Republicans, says it's a matter of upholding the constitution.

"Our members have all of the information that she has provided," Kocher said. "They are evaluating that themselves as to whether or not she meets the constitutional requirements."

Williams has already set up her offices and plans to be in Harrisburg to be sworn in.

If Williams isn't seated, the lieutenant governor has 10 days to call for a special election, and Williams could run again. The Republican committees in that district would choose a Republican candidate.