Lackawanna County Commissioner Matt McGloin will resign, effective Monday, Feb. 24.

In a letter Friday to Brian Jeffers, county chief of staff, McGloin said “this was not an easy decision to make, … but I have to do what’s best for my family and explore other options outside of county government.”

McGloin thanked fellow Democratic majority Commissioner Bill Gaughan for their partnership and noted many of their significant accomplishments during their nearly 14 months in office. Those include a sweeping reform and reconstruction of the Office of Youth and Family Services, which resulted in the state Department of Human Services restoring its full license in December after issuing a series of provisional licenses across the prior 18 months. McGloin also noted major financial reforms to put the government on stable footing, major investments in public infrastructure and business development, and a joint effort with Scranton’s government to combat gang violence.

Gaughan and McGloin overwhelmingly were elected in November 2023 and took office in January 2024.

As prescribed by the Lackawanna County Home Rule Charter, the Lackawanna County Democratic Party Executive Committee will send the names of three prospective replacements for McGloin to the county Court of Common Pleas. Judges will select McGloin’s successor from that list.

Noting the strong record he and Gaughan have compiled, McGloin urged the executive committee to honor Gaughan’s choice to replace him.

Gaughan also called on the executive committee to help him finish the work that he and McGloin have started.

“Matt and I formed a strong, progressive partnership over the past 14 months. I thank him for his hard work and wish him and his family all the best,”” Gaughan said. “Now, it’s crucial that the executive committee honor the will of the tens of thousands of Democratic voters who elected Matt and me, by recognizing my prerogative to choose Matt’s successor. Those voters deserve an independent-minded commissioner, like Matt, who isn’t afraid to make hard choices and do the right thing.”

Read McGloin's letter here.