There will be two special elections on Tuesday, February 17 for vacant seats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and both could have a major impact on majority control in the chamber.
Democrat in the 42nd Legislative District Jen Mazzocco and republican Joseph Leckenby Jr. meet to fill the remaining date Dan Millerwho resigned and became judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.
There will be two separate elections for the 2027-2028 term – a primary election on May 17 and a general election on November 5.
Jen Mazzocco (no)
- Experience: Teacher, Allerdice Secondary School. Chairman of Dormont Town Council. He chaired the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Political Action Committee from 2018-2025.
- The reason for running. “I have experience in managing a municipality [and in] a union that fights for education and also fights for working people, and the term ‘working people’ I think really applies to a lot of people.”
- Priorities.
- Working Families. I’ve seen the difference that a stable income, affordable health care, and job security can make in people’s lives. In Harrisburg, I will prioritize policies that protect working families
- Economic Security. Work to expand affordable health care in our state and advocate for practical measures that lower families’ everyday expenses, from prescription drugs to child care. Fight to protect social services like SNAP and Medicaid so no one falls through the cracks when the going gets tough.
- Minimum wage. He supports raising the wage to $18 an hour.
- Union rights. Continue to be a steadfast defender of our unions’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
- Protecting women and families. Defend women’s right to choose in Pennsylvania and fight to protect women’s reproductive rights. Advocate for health and childcare policies that support women, regardless of whether they choose to start a family.
- Education. Our schools are the backbone of our communities. District 42 is home to top-notch school districts, and it is critical that we support them at the state level so they can continue to provide an excellent education for all of our children.
- Education: BA, MA, University of Pittsburgh.
- Confirmations
- Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Instagram | Blue
- What they say. “I will work for an economy that puts working families first, with thriving communities and an education system that benefits all students.”
Joe Leckenby (right)
- Experience: Advocate.
- Previous campaigns. Lost to Dan Miller in the 2024 general election 67-33.
- The reason for running. My interest in public service is based on my belief that state government must operate with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and respect for constitutional principles.
- Priorities.
- Social Security and military pensions. He opposes taxes on both counts.
- Mobile phones in schools. Supports ban.
- Families. An advocate of policies that strengthen and protect customary family values.
- Education. Promote educational programs that reflect historical and cultural truths. Give parents a decisive role in their children’s education by supporting school choice and parent involvement.
- Reproductive choice. Take a sturdy stand on pro-life issues, advocating for policies that protect unborn children and promote the sanctity of life at all stages.
- 2nd amendment. Strongly support the Second Amendment ensuring the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear firearms for personal protection and defense.
- Economics. He advocated for policies that support diminutive businesses and reduce regulatory burdens to support economic growth.
- Education: B.A., Duquesne University; J.D., Duquesne Law School
- Cufflinks: : Website | Twitter | YouTube | Linkedin
- What they say. “I’m ready to be a new voice in Harrisburg. I will listen to residents across the borough – regardless of party affiliation – and work together to develop practical, common-sense solutions that put our community first.”
In the News
District
- Baldwin, Mount Lebanon and Upper St. Clair and the communes of Castle Shannon and Dormont.
- At the beginning of January, there were 47,740 registered voters in the 42nd District – 54.3% Democrats, 30.8% Republicans and 12.8% Independents.
Voting guide
