- Elected at 29
- Youngest member of the Pennsylvania Senate
- First since 1996
- Republican state senator representing Philadelphia
- Chair
- Urban Affairs & Housing Committee
- Vice Chair
- Law & Justice Committee
About Joe
Fresh leadership and practical solutions for Northeast Philadelphia.
At 29 years old, Joe Picozzi made history as the first Republican to represent Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania State Senate since 1996. Born and raised in Somerton, he now represents District 5 with a focus on bipartisan solutions and next-generation leadership.
The son of a Philadelphia firefighter and a special education teacher, Joe's commitment to public service runs deep. After graduating from Georgetown University in 2017 as a George F. Baker Scholar and studying government, he served as chief of staff at the Manhattan Institute and as an aide to future House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
An Eagle Scout and 2017 finalist for Red Alert Politics' "30 under 30" list, Joe founded the Politics Club at Holy Ghost Preparatory School and was appointed to the Philadelphia Youth Commission by City Councilman Brian O'Neill. He co-chairs the Pennsylvania chapter of Future Caucus, dedicated to cross-partisan lawmaking among Gen Z and millennial legislators. He currently resides in Tacony.
- Since 1996
- First Republican senator from Philadelphia
- Chief of Staff
- Manhattan Institute
- Baker Scholar
- Georgetown University
Experience
2025-2026 Regular Session
Seven committees
Joe serves on seven committees in the Pennsylvania State Senate, working on legislation that shapes housing, justice, appropriations, and the economy for Pennsylvania families.
- Chair
- Urban Affairs & Housing
- Vice Chair
- Law & Justice
Also serving on
- Appropriations
- Communications & Technology
- Game & Fisheries
- Intergovernmental Operations
- Labor & Industry
- Vice Chair
- Senate Majority Policy Committee
- Co-Chair
- Pennsylvania Future Caucus
Legislative Service
Currently serving Pennsylvania's 5th District with committee leadership and a bipartisan focus, on legislation that impacts urban affairs, justice, appropriations, and other key areas affecting Pennsylvania families.
Education
Strong academic foundation in government and policy from Georgetown University and Holy Ghost Preparatory School, combined with real-world leadership experience.
Community
Deep roots in Northeast Philadelphia with a commitment to bringing people together and finding common-sense solutions to local challenges.
Vision for Pennsylvania
Forward-thinking leadership focused on practical solutions and sustainable progress.
Economic Development
Creating opportunities for working families through smart economic policies, supporting small businesses, and attracting innovative industries to Northeast Philadelphia.
Education Excellence
Ensuring every child has access to quality education through increased funding, school choice initiatives, and programs that prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.
Public Safety
Supporting our first responders with the resources they need while building stronger community-police partnerships and addressing the root causes of crime.
Transparent Governance
Bringing accountability and accessibility to state government through regular community engagement, transparent decision-making, and responsive constituent services.
Journey of Service
Current Service2024-Present
- 2025
Committee Leadership & Recognition
Serving on seven committees in the Pennsylvania State Senate, including as Chair of Urban Affairs & Housing and Vice Chair of Law & Justice. Named Vice Chair of the Senate Majority Policy Committee in April 2025.
- Chair, Urban Affairs & Housing
- Vice Chair, Law & Justice
- Vice Chair, Senate Majority Policy Committee
- Co-Chair, Pennsylvania Future Caucus
- City & State Pennsylvania 2025 Forty Under 40
- 2024-2025
Elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate
Made history as the first Republican to represent Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania State Senate since 1996, elected at age 29.
- Elected November 5, 2024 (District 5)
- Term began December 1, 2024
- Sworn in January 7, 2025 at the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Policy & Government2017-2023
- 2022-2023
Senior Advisor, Strategic Planning - Manhattan Institute
Directed urban-policy and governance projects through the 2023 cycle at the Manhattan Institute.
- 2020-2022
Chief of Staff - Manhattan Institute
Oversaw day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives at the think tank from December 2020 to February 2022, collaborating with national policy experts.
- 2017-2018
Staff Assistant to the House Majority Leader
Served House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy from June 2017 to May 2018, handling constituent work, legislative research, and floor preparation for Republican leadership.
Education & Foundations1995-2017
- 2013-2017
Georgetown University, B.A. Government
Graduated as a George F. Baker Scholar. Named a finalist for Red Alert Politics' "30 Under 30" in 2017.
- 2009-2013
Holy Ghost Preparatory School
Eagle Scout. Founded the school's Politics Club and was appointed to the Philadelphia Youth Commission by Councilman Brian O'Neill.
- 1995
Born in Somerton, Northeast Philadelphia
Born April 22, 1995, in Somerton, Northeast Philadelphia.
Contact Joe
Have questions or want to discuss issues important to Northeast Philadelphia? Joe is here to listen and help.
joe@joepicozzi.comHarrisburg Office
187 Main Capitol Building, Senate Box 203005, Harrisburg, PA 17120-3005
(717) 787-9608For official constituent services, visit Senator Picozzi's Senate office site or his profile at the Pennsylvania General Assembly.