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Pete specializes in Pennsylvania and federal legislative and regulatory policy. With over two decades of private practice experience and prior roles in the Office of the Governor in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and the United States Congress, Pete brings unmatched expertise in navigating legislative and administrative processes, coupled with a deep understanding of the political dynamics that drive them.

Pete represents a diverse client base, including industry leaders in manufacturing, rail freight transportation, natural gas production, energy, financial services, emerging technologies, healthcare, and retail. He has provided strategic counsel to Governors, Attorneys General, legislative leaders and committee chairs on complex political and policy matters.

Professional Experience

Prior to 1812 Strategies, Pete was a partner at K&L Gates LLP where he started the firm’s Pennsylvania policy group in 2002 and practiced until 2025. Before K&L Gates he served as Secretary for Legislative Affairs in Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker’s Cabinet, advising the Governor, senior staff, and cabinet secretaries on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters across all state agencies.

From 1997 to 2001, Pete served as Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs under Governor Tom Ridge, continuing until Ridge’s appointment as Director of Homeland Security. As the Governor’s liaison to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Pete played a pivotal role in advancing many key legislative initiatives.

Pete’s earlier roles include Director of Legislative Affairs at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Special Projects Director to the Republican Leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and Special Assistant to U.S. Senator John Heinz.