Sunday’s endorsement of Bucks County Commissioner and Democrat Bob Harvie by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro notches another high profile thumbs-up in a growing list of backings.
Harvie, 54, a former high school teacher from Falls Township, hopes to clinch the Democratic primary spot next week to face off against incumbent Republican Brian Fitzpatrick in the November midterm elections.
“Bob Harvie is a public servant who has dedicated his career to serving his community – from teaching our kids to delivering for working families all across Bucks County,” Shapiro said.
Pennsylvania’s first congressional district, which includes all of Bucks County and a sliver of western Montgomery County, is a nailbiter for political pundits. The race is viewed as one of the hottest upcoming races in the nation.
Democratic candidate and Quakertown resident Lucia Simonelli is also running in the May primary for a chance to unseat Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick is currently one of three Republicans remaining in Congress who is running for reelection in a district Trump lost in 2024, the press release said.
A Global Strategy Group poll suggests Fitzpatrick is struggling against Harvie.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives serve two-year terms; elections for these offices are held in even numbered years. Shapiro won the first congressional district in 2022 by nearly 20 points to become Pennsylvania’s governor.
Harvie follows a disappointing run of Democrats who have tried – and failed – to unseat Fitzpatrick in previous election cycles, notes Politics PA.
“I’ve worked with Bob to get stuff done for Bucks County – from investing in our schools and law enforcement, to creating jobs and economic opportunity. I know Bob’s first vote in Congress will be for a Democrat to serve as Speaker of the House and to advance a legislative agenda that helps Pennsylvania and stands up against the chaos, cruelty and corruption of Donald Trump,” Shapiro said.
Harvie acknowledged in a press release the battle to represent constituents in PA-01 is “one of the most important congressional races in the entire country, and Bucks and Montgomery voters have a chance to reject Donald Trump, Brian Fitzpatrick and a broken Washington that is pushing the American Dream further out of reach.”
Shapiro and Harvie have in common serving as county commissioners – Harvie currently in Bucks and Shapiro in Montgomery County earlier in his political career (2012-2017).
“I’m proud to endorse Bob in this race, and I know he will be a partner in continuing to deliver for Pennsylvania families in Congress,” Shapiro said.
In addition to Shapiro’s endorsement, Harvie’s other endorsements include: The Bucks County and Montgomery County Democratic Committees, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Bucks County Democratic Chair Sen. Steve Santarsiero, Montgomery County Democratic Chair Jason Salus, Transport Workers Union Local 234, Voter Protection Project, Democratic members of Pennsylvania’s Senate and House delegations representing PA-01; among others.
May 19 is primary Election Day in Pennsylvania. November 3 is the general election. Visit here for a list of Pennsylvania’s upcoming elections information.
