Now in his 13th term serving the people of the 78th Legislative District, Hess represents a sprawling, rural area that includes all of Fulton County, as well as the Bedford County townships of Bedford, Bloomfield, Broad Top, Colerain, East Providence, East St. Clair, Hopewell, Kimmel, King, Liberty, Lincoln, Mann, Monroe, Napier, Pavia, Snake Spring, South Woodbury, Southampton, West Providence, West St. Clair and Woodbury; and the Bedford County boroughs of Bedford, Coaldale, Everett, Hopewell, New Paris, Pleasantville, Rainsburg, Saxton, Schellsburg, St. Clairsville and Woodbury.

The 78th District also includes the Huntingdon County townships of Carbon, Todd and Wood; and the Huntingdon County boroughs of Broad Top City, Coalmont and Dudley.

During the 2011-12 legislative session, Hess serves as majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee, which has oversight of banking and economic issues throughout Pennsylvania.  He also serves as the ranking member on the Transportation Committee, is a member of the Committee on Committees, the Rules Committee and the PENNVEST Board of Directors.

Prior to being elected to the General Assembly in 1986, Hess served 15 years as Bedford County’s prothonotary and clerk of courts. He began his career in public service in 1965, as chief clerk to the Bedford County Commissioners, a position he held for seven years.

When not in Harrisburg, Hess is active in his district.  He is a member of the UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, the University of Pittsburgh – Johnstown Advisory Board and the Broad Top Home Nursing Advisory Board.

Hess is a lifetime member of the Saxton Volunteer Fire Company. He also belongs to the Everett Area Republican Club, Bedford Elks Lodge, Bedford Moose Lodge, Bedford American Legion, Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, Fulton County Chamber of Commerce, Bedford County Farm Bureau, Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Yardley Woodside Fish & Game Association, Safari Club International, the Federation of Sportsmen, and the National Rifle Association.  Hess is also an active supporter of the high school sports teams.

A 1958 graduate of Saxton Liberty High School, Hess resides in Bedford with his wife Shirley, who are members of Bedford United Methodist Church.  The Hess’ have one son, Jeff, who is married to Lizette, and they have three children, Erika, Zachary, and Haden.