For 12 years, Republican Brian Fitzpatrick has crafted a unique position in Pennsylvania politics, winning six terms in the deeply-purple district that is Bucks County.
On Tuesday night, voters decided on a change, electing Bucks County commissioner Bob Harvie to the 1st Congressional District seat over Fitzpatrick.
Pennsylvania will have 11 Democrats in its congressional delegation for the first time since have 12 reps in 2009 after winning the “Big Four” races Tuesday night.
“Bucks and Montgomery County voters have sent an unmistakable message: this seat doesn’t belong to one person or one political party, it belongs to the people,” said Harvie in a statement. “And the people have put their trust in a guy from Bristol Borough – raised on Roosevelt St., and the first in my family to graduate from college – to fight for them and their families in the halls of Congress. Only in America.
“We shocked a whole lot of political pundits who said for months that this race wasn’t winnable. We did it with a simple message: if you want to change Washington, we’ve got to change who we send there. And change Washington is exactly what we’re going to do.
“My promise to Bucks and Montgomery County voters is that I will go to the mat for you and fight to lower costs, clean up corruption, end this reckless war in Iran, and put a check on Donald Trump. I am ready to do all of that and more.
“Republicans and my opponent spent millions lying about me and my record. Voters saw through those lies and false attacks and chose to set our country on a different path. Tonight, Bucks and Montgomery punched back. In the face of those lies, our campaign stayed focused on talking about how, together, we can restore the promise of the American Dream. People want a government that works. Working families are working harder than ever, playing by the rules, but still struggling to get by. I will be a Congressman that fights for their needs.
“I am humbled by every voter, volunteer, staff member, and supporter who helped get us over the finish line to this historic win. This win belongs to all of us. Tomorrow, the hard work of changing Washington begins.”
DNC Chair Ken Martin also celebrated the Harvie victory.
“Congratulations to Bob Harvie, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, and all of the organizers who worked to flip this seat from red to blue. As an educator and twice-elected Bucks County commissioner, Bob has been a consistent champion for working families in his community. In the House, he will be a steadfast fighter for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District while fighting to lower costs, protect healthcare, support workers, and make life more affordable.”
updated to include statements from Harvie and Martin
