John Leshko, the former mayor of Middleport borough in Schuylkill County, announced his candidacy for the State House of Representatives.
Leshko’s seeking the Republican nomination in the 123rd District.
Last week, former Ateeco Inc. chief executive Tim Twardzik announced he’s seeking the Republican nomination, too.
The 123rd consists of parts of Pottsville and the following Schuylkill County boroughs: Ashland, Frackville, Gilberton, Girardville, Gordon, Mahanoy City, Mechanicsville, Middleport, Minersville, Mount Carbon, New Philadelphia, Palo Alto, Port Carbon, Shenandoah and Saint Clair.
The current office holder, Democrat Neal Goodman, announced he’s retiring at the end of his term in 2020. No Democrats have announced their intent to run for the 123rd District.
Leshko Announces Bid for PA State House 123rd District
Leshko, 40, is a member of the Minersville Area Class of 1997 and an Eagle Scout. According to a statement from Leshko’s campaign, he also brings some business experience to the field of candidates in the 123rd.
He says of his intention to run for state office, “If you believe your voice matters, as much as I do, then make the choice to vote for change. Not for a politician, but for a taxpayer, a parent, a concerned citizen.
“It’s time we agree that local politics is not about parties, it’s not about how much money you have, or who your friends are,” Leshko says. “It’s about the future, jobs, and taxes that aren’t coming back from Harrisburg. It’s about drug addiction, under-serviced demographics, and frankly, human decency.”
He currently works for Liberty Procurement, a division of the Bed Bath and Beyond Corp. and a Fortune 500 company, as a project manager.
In a conversation with The Canary Sunday night, Leshko says of his campaign, “We are going to have a long road ahead of us, but we believe in what we are doing. We believe this county is full of every day hard working people. Employees not bosses.”
Middleport Mayor
Leshko first took the job as Middleport mayor back in 2011. The seat was vacated at the time. He won election in 2013 and again in 2017. Leshko says he helped bring police service to Middleport.
resides in Middleport with his wife Amanda and their four children, Avery, Johnny, Cameron, and Reese. He attends Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in New Philadelphia.
ALSO READ:
- Former Mrs. T’s Boss Tim Twardzik Running for PA-123
- Schuylkill Register of Wills Theresa Santai-Gaffney Running for PA-125
- Christy Joy Running for PA-125th, Months After Being Elected Controller
- Rep. Mike Tobash Not Running in 2020
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