Democrat Jennifer Mazzocco wins special election in Pittsburgh-area legislative district

Mazzocco, a high school English teacher, defeated Republican Joseph Leckenby in the 42nd District race.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A special election was held on Tuesday to fill a vacancy in the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives' 42nd District, which includes several Pittsburgh-area communities. Democratic nominee Jennifer Mazzocco, a 41-year-old high school English teacher, won the election with 10,419 votes, easily defeating Republican nominee Joseph Leckenby, a 27-year-old recent law school graduate, who received 2,330 votes.

Why it matters

This special election was held to fill the unexpired term of former Democratic state Representative Dan Miller, who resigned to take a judicial seat on the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. The 42nd District is considered a Democratic-leaning area, and Mazzocco's victory helps maintain the party's control of the seat.

The details

The 42nd Legislative District includes the communities of Baldwin Township, Castle Shannon, Dormont, Mt. Lebanon, and parts of Upper St. Clair. Mazzocco, an English teacher at Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill, ran on a platform focused on education, healthcare, and environmental issues. Leckenby, a recent Duquesne University law school graduate, ran on a more conservative platform.

  • The special election was held on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Jennifer Mazzocco

A 41-year-old Democratic nominee and English teacher at Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill.

Joseph Leckenby

A 27-year-old Republican nominee and recent Duquesne University law school graduate.

Dan Miller

The former Democratic state Representative for the 42nd District who resigned to take a judicial seat on the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court.

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The takeaway

Mazzocco's victory in the special election maintains Democratic control of the 42nd District seat, which is considered a Democratic-leaning area. Her win reflects the continued strength of the Democratic Party in the Pittsburgh region, even in a special election with lower voter turnout.