Garth David Everett[1] (January 28, 1954 – January 28, 2023) was an American politician who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 84th district from 2007 to 2020.
In 2006, Everett was elected to represent the 84th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was continuously reelected until his retirement in 2020.[1] During his final term, Everett chaired the House State Government Committee.[3] In his role as chair, Everett pushed for a ban on lawmakers receiving gifts from lobbyists.[4] He also oversaw the advancement of an omnibus bill that expanded mail-in voting and voter registration and eliminated straight ticket voting.[5]
Ahead of the 2020 United States presidential election, Everett introduced a resolution that would have established a select committee to oversee the integrity of the upcoming election.[6] The committee would have the power to subpoena, investigate county election operations, and subsequently suggest changes to the state election code. Democrats opposed the establishment of the committee, claiming it would enable Republicans to override the election results after President Donald Trump stoked pre-election claims of ballot fraud.[6][7] Everett's resolution to establish the committee was never voted on by the State House after the House session was postponed due to a lawmaker's COVID-19 diagnosis.[6][8]
Personal life and death
Everett met his wife, the former Susan S. Schultz, in high school and married her in 1976. The couple had two daughters.[2]
Everett died in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on January 28, 2023, his 69th birthday.[9] At the time, Everett had been fighting cancer for 18 years.[2]
Electoral history
2006 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Republican primary election, District 84[10]
