Politics & Government
22-Year-Old Lower Merion Alumnus Plans State Rep Run
Lower Merion High School alumnus and Penn grad Leo Solga, 22, is looking to become one of the youngest legislators in Pennsylvania history.
WYNNEWOOD, PA — State Rep. Mary Jo Daley will not seek reelection for her seat in Pennsylvania's 148th District.
With Daley's retirement looming, a Lower Merion High School alumnus and Penn graduate who is just 22 years old is looking to win the seat.
Leo Solga, 22, of Wynnewood, announced he plans to call for an open primary election at the Montgomery County Democratic Committee's nomination meeting Wednesday night.
Find out what's happening in Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Solga hopes to argue before the committee that the first competitive race for this seat in nearly two decades represents a rare opportunity for democratic engagement that should not be cut short by a party endorsement.
His opportunity to address the committee is contingent on being nominated to speak during the meeting.
Find out what's happening in Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Four qualified candidates, genuine competition, and engaged voters ready to participate. This is what democracy looks like," Solga said. "An early endorsement would prematurely narrow a conversation that our community deserves to have through a full primary process."
Solga, who works at Penn Carey School of Law, emphasized that his call for an open primary reflects broader concerns about democratic participation at a time when local engagement serves as critical infrastructure for larger movements.
"Democracy thrives on competition and voter engagement, not backroom decisions," Solga said. "Whether it's local ICE raids, SEPTA funding crises, or Pennsylvania's school funding system — these issues demand robust democratic debate, not predetermined outcomes."
Solga's campaign focuses on comprehensive school funding reform, regional transit equity through the Transit for All PA package, and opposition to local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
If elected, he would be among the youngest state legislators in Pennsylvania history.
The Montgomery County Democratic Committee will hold its nomination meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at North Penn High School. RSVP to attend online here
The meeting will be livestreamed online here.
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