Joseph Leckenby
Joseph Leckenby

Meet the Special Election candidates – Joseph Leckenby

Q: Tell our readers about yourself: where you grew up, where you went to college, what you do for a living, etc.

A: I am a lifelong Mt. Lebanon resident. I went to college and law school at Duquesne University. I graduated cum laude in 2021 with a B.A. I double majored in political science and philosophy. I then continued my education at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, graduating in 2025. I am an attorney. In my spare time, I enjoy writing, engaging in public policy and rowing at the Three Rivers Rowing Association. I recently began curling at the Pittsburgh Curling Club. I am the Ward 1, District 4 committeeman on the Mt. Lebanon Republican Committee.

Q: What made you interested in running for this House seat?

A: I chose to run for this seat because I want to give the district a meaningful voice. Once elected, I will have a mandate to go to Harrisburg to draft policy, debate and vote on behalf of the constituency. I am excited for this opportunity to serve and act as a qualified, dedicated problem-solver.

Q: What are some of your legislative priorities?

A: Some of my legislative priorities are the following: (1) use active listening in policy drafting; (2) ensure consumer safety; and (3) provide appropriate oversight to the commonwealth. In addition, I hope to engage with communities throughout the district to ensure that the commonwealth is functioning properly for them. I plan to hold regular town halls and host numerous events to get to know constituents on a personal level.

Q: Many residents of Mt. Lebanon used Rep. Miller to help with state-related issues. What are your thoughts about the role of constituent services for a state representative?

A: In addition to attending legislative sessions in Harrisburg, constituent services are perhaps the most important part of being a legislator. Whether it is assisting with unclaimed property, PennDOT, the Department of Revenue or other state agencies, these programs cannot function properly if people have trouble accessing them, and I will work hard to ensure that constituents have an effective state government.

Q: What personal qualities would you bring to the House?

A: I bring determination, resilience, a positive outlook and creativity. I uphold integrity and good citizenship. I have also developed friendships with numerous politicians, both Republicans and Democrats, and bipartisan cooperation and understanding come easily to me. I am a tech-forward individual and was an early adopter of AI. I want schools throughout the commonwealth to teach students ethical AI use, and I also want the commonwealth to strengthen its cybersecurity efforts. 

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