2 Democrats seeking House seat to be vacated by Rep. Dan Miller

Ford Turner, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Nov 26, 2025

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PITTSBURGH — The chairperson of the Upper St. Clair Democratic Committee, Alliyson Feldmann, on Tuesday became the second member of her party to announce her candidacy for the anticipated vacancy of the state House seat now held by Rep. Dan Miller.

Feldmann, organizer for Jews for a Secular Democracy, joined fellow Democrat Jennifer Mazzocco as announced candidates to succeed Miller, who recently was elected to a judgeship on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

"Pennsylvania raised me, shaping my values through its forests, its families, and its quiet strength," Feldmann said in a news release. "Everything I've learned and walked through has prepared me to serve with steadiness and heart. I'm running because I believe the roots we share can grow a future brighter and stronger than anything we've known."

Miller, first elected to the House in 2013, is one of four sitting members who were elected to different jobs earlier this month. It is anticipated that all four will resign before early January when they take their new jobs, and special elections will be scheduled early next year to fill their seats.

All four of the districts have a heavy lean toward one party or the other.

In the 42nd House District now represented by Miller, Democratic voters outnumber Republicans by a count of 25,894 to 14,742. In the 2024 election, Miller defeated Republican challenger Joseph Leckenby by a 67%-33% margin.

The 42nd District includes Baldwin and Mount Lebanon townships and part of Upper St. Clair Township, as well as Castle Shannon and Dormont boroughs.

Later next year, every one of the 203 House seats in the General Assembly will be up for election, and the outcome will be closely watched. Democrats currently control the chamber by the slimmest of margins at 102-101.

Reproductive health care and freedom, access to physical and mental health care, public education, union jobs, and workers' rights are among the priorities listed by Feldmann.

"My work has always been deeply rooted in this unique, diverse community. I recognize that my priorities are not everyone else's and that diversity is our strength," Feldmann said.

Mazzocco, who is president of Dormont Borough Council, said on her campaign website, "I'll work for an economy that puts working families first, with communities that are thriving and an education system that delivers for all students."

A 15-year public school teacher, Mazzocco is a member of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers union and led its political action committee for seven years.

Prior to her stint as council president in Dormont, Mazzocco was vice president for two years, according to her website. Among other things, she said she has partnered with Mt. Lebanon to develop a regional active transportation plan and helped created the Dormont Human Relations Commission.

Mazzocco said she wants to see an increase in the minimum wage to $18 an hour, and that she would fight to protect women's reproductive rights as well as unions' rights to organize and collectively bargain.