Democratic challenger Bob Harvie beat five-term Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick Tuesday in the race for the PA 1 congressional district seat.
According to the Associated Press, called the race for Harvie at 12:37 a.m., as he held 53% to 47% lead over Fitzpatrick.
“Thank you to every single person who made this win possible — whether you knocked doors, made calls, donated your time or money, YOU made this win possible for a better future in our communities. We can make a real change, now let’s get to work,” Harvie said across his socials.
The 1st Congressional District includes all of Bucks County and a narrow slither of neighboring Montgomery County.
Harvie who is a Bucks County native and grew up in Bristol campaigned relentlessly throughout the district.
Momentum in the race seemingly changed in recent weeks with the non-partisan Cook Political Report moving the race twice over the last six weeks or so, calling it a “toss up” last Friday.
A New York Times /Siena University Poll released last week had had Harvie leading by two points.
Credit: Submitted
“Tonight is not the ending we had hoped or envisioned,” Fitzpatrick said in statement release in the last hour,.
“I wish Bob Harvie success as he assumes a responsibility that is both extraordinary and humbling. The responsibility to represent every person in our community, whether they voted for him or not. To lead with independence, to welcome differences of opinion, and to remember the people we serve must always come before party.”
Harvie’s win, some say, reflects the mood of the nation as Democrats nationally won seats in Congress, in “deeply red” states/districts, taking majorities in the House and Senate.