Democrat Jennifer Mazzocco won a special election in Pennsylvania, representing the South Hills suburbs in the state House. She faced off against Republican Joseph Leckenby, and the results were clear from the start. By 9 p.m., Mazzocco had secured her victory, earning 81.7% of the votes.
Mazzocco attributed her success to hard work, saying, “We knocked a ton of doors.” She believes voters were eager for a different perspective amidst the current political landscape. She wants this victory to set a positive tone for the upcoming elections in 2026.
The final vote tallied her at 10,419 votes, while Leckenby received 2,330. Mazzocco, a teacher and councilperson from Dormont, will fill the seat left by Dan Miller, who departed last year. Her district includes several areas like Baldwin Township and Castle Shannon. Mazzocco made a point to engage with voters in less prominent areas of the district, highlighting the importance of listening to their concerns.
Historically, the 42nd District has leaned Democratic, largely due to its strong support in Mt. Lebanon. Recent trends show Democrats gaining momentum post-2016, particularly after Donald Trump’s presidency. In fact, recent data shows Democratic voters outnumber Republicans in this district nearly two to one. In this election cycle, they requested four times more mail-in ballots, giving Mazzocco a significant lead early on.
Nationally, this win is seen as part of a larger pattern. Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, remarked on the implications of Mazzocco’s victory. He said, “Pennsylvanians have had enough of the billionaires-first agenda.”
In addition to Mazzocco’s win, Democrat Ana Tiburcio claimed victory in another special election in the Lehigh Valley. She received 67% of the votes, underscoring the current Democratic momentum.
Looking ahead, Mazzocco plans to run for a full two-year term. She’s already gathering signatures to secure her spot on the ballot for the next election. As these trends continue, the political landscape in Pennsylvania remains dynamic, reflecting broader national patterns.
For further information on election results, you can check the Pennsylvania Department of State.
The excitement surrounding these races shows how engaged voters are right now, making it clear that every election counts.
