[VT – Philadelphia] May, 2025 – Leon A. King II [[Ballot Number 5]] is running in the Democratic primary for Judge of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. Voters can select up to nine candidates for this court, which oversees major civil and criminal matters, including family and juvenile justice.
Candidate Background
Leon King was born overseas and immigrated to the United States at the age of one and a half. His family, once undocumented, worked tirelessly to raise three college-educated children. King graduated from South Lancaster Academy and earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Boston. In 1991, he received his J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law.
Professional Background
King has held numerous significant roles in law and government over the past three decades:
- Former Deputy City Solicitor in Civil Rights and Labor divisions in Philadelphia;
- Former General Counsel and youngest Commissioner of the Philadelphia Prison System, overseeing a $271M operation;
- Deputy Commissioner of the Maryland Division of Pre-Trial Detention and Services;
- Associate Teaching Professor of Criminal Justice at Drexel University;
- Lead counsel on complex federal civil rights litigation;
- Interned or served with the U.S. District Court, EEOC, Massachusetts Governor’s Office, and Attorney General’s Office.
Policy Positions
King’s platform emphasizes justice with empathy. He prioritizes:
- Mental health support and rehabilitation over incarceration;
- Juvenile justice reform and second chances for young offenders;
- Safeguarding civil rights under the Constitution;
- Data-driven system reform and administrative transparency;
- Inclusive, equitable treatment across all sectors of the judicial system.
Party Affiliation and Endorsements
- Party: Democratic
- Endorsed by the Philadelphia Democratic Party
- Rated “Recommended” by the Philadelphia Bar Association
In an interview with CUS, King stated: “I’m a civil rights lawyer, a teacher, a public servant. I’ve lived the experience of our justice system — and I’m ready to serve fairly, with dignity and knowledge.”
Ballot Information
Leon A. King II will appear on the 2025 Democratic primary ballot on May 20. If using a voting machine, his ballot number is 5.
