2025 College graduate and former Speaker of the Undergraduate Assembly Leo Solga launched his campaign for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Saturday.
The Jan. 10 event — hosted in Solga’s home in Wynnewood, Pa.— featured remarks on his campaign priorities, along with a question and answer session. Solga joins a crowded primary field for Pennsylvania’s 148th Congressional District, running against several opponents, including 2011 College graduate Jason Landau Goodman.
Solga discussed multiple policy goals for his potential office, including funding the SEPTA regional rail, protecting reproductive rights, and supporting Lower Merion’s public school system.
In an interview with The Daily Pennsylvanian, Solga described his approach as a “scrappy volunteer campaign,” which he hopes will allow him and his team to succeed over older candidates in a competitive primary. He also said he seeks to build momentum and energy by mobilizing young voters who feel underrepresented.
Solga emphasized that his involvement in the UA played a significant role in his “general philosophy” toward government leadership.
“My Penn experience was outstanding,” he said. “I learned a lot. Of course, I studied political science, but I think the core of my Penn experience was outside the classroom.”
He added that the “centerpiece” of his time at UA involved trying to understand and change University systems “for the better.”
In a statement to the DP, College junior and UA Vice President Musab Chummun described Solga as “one of the most dedicated, diligent, and caring people I know.”
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“He approached the UA with an unwavering mindset to change Penn for the better, and he did exactly that,” Chummun wrote. “I have no doubt that he will apply these skills to be an excellent state representative.”
Solga seeks to replace Pa. Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-148), who announced her intention to retire in October 2025 after nearly 13 years holding the seat. Daley graduated from Penn with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1987 and from Penn’s Fels Institute of Government with a master’s degree in government administration in 2011.
Having interned in her district office, Solga told the DP that a conversation with Daley influenced his decision to run. According to Solga, Daley said she had entered politics because she felt underrepresented as a woman in Pennsylvania. He said he chose to run because he felt the same way as a young person.
In an interview with the DP, Daley said she spoke to Solga about the procedural elements of running for office, including “what you have to do to get on a ballot.”
While Daley decided against endorsing a candidate in the primary election, she stated that Solga “meets the qualifications” for the role.
College junior and current UA Speaker Aidan Carroll — who now serves as Solga's campaign manager — told the DP that he “always knew Leo was going to run for something.”
“I know he’s the right voice and the right leader we need here in the 148,” Carroll said. “We’re obviously up against big money, but money doesn’t buy votes. It comes down to getting people out there and voting on Election Day.”
Solga currently serves as a researcher for the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, specializing in Pennsylvania’s magisterial court judges.
“Our angle is young people in the district and turning out low propensity voters," Carroll told the DP. "Who are your average primary voters? They’re not 22-year-olds, but I think we could change that.”
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Senior reporter Alex Dash leads coverage of politics and can be reached at dash@thedp.com. At Penn, he studies history and political science. Follow him on X @AlexBDash.
