In 1939, he married Mary Jane Strickler, and, during World War II, he served on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theater.

[2] Following the war, Leader began a family-operated chicken hatchery, and served in leadership positions in the York County Democratic Party.

He successfully ran for Pennsylvania State Senate in 1950, winning the 28th district seat previously held by his father, Guy.

Despite these disadvantages, Leader picked up substantial support from labor and agricultural interests, and managed to defeat Lt.

[2] During his administration, Leader initiated programs to deal with Pennsylvania's lackluster economy and its substantial budget deficit.

[2] Shortly after taking office, in June 1955 he signed legislation that authorized the construction of a Curtiss-Wright research facility at Quehanna, in Clearfield County; the Sanitary Water Board also issued a permit for the discharge of radioactive waste into Mosquito Creek and the Atomic Energy Commission issued a twenty-year license to operate a four megawatt nuclear reactor.

[2] Although Leader never again sought elected office following his 1958 defeat, he stayed active in Democratic politics and had spoken out on a number of issues.