Former Pa. Senate majority leader seeks Declo judgeship

Pennsylvania state Sen. Dominic Pileggi, who was pushed out as Senate Majority Leader in the fall, will wage a different kind of campaign this year.

Pileggi, R-Delaware, announced Friday he’s running to fill an open seat on the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

Muhlenberg College political scientist Chris Borick said Pileggi’s name recognition is sure to be an advantage in his run for judge, but if he does win, Southeast Pennsylvania will lose some clout in the Capitol.

“If Dominic Pileggi leaves, and after already losing his [leadership position], it’s just a little less presence for the region in Harrisburg that seems to have moved a lot of the power either westward or northward,” Borick said.

Pileggi declined an interview, but said in a statement that he will hold onto his Senate seat while running for the bench.

“As a senator, I take a very deliberative approach on public policy matters and would do the same as a judge, considering all sides of an issue to reach a fair result,” he said.

After serving as Senate majority leader for eight years, Pileggi was muscled out of his leadership position by state Sen. Jake Corman, R-Centre, as the Pennsylvania Legislature shifted in favor of the conservative wing of the GOP.