Bucks Dems Enodorse Finello as PA 1 Candidate

The Bucks County Democratic Committee endorsed a candidate in Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District Race on Saturday. 

Christina Finello from Ivyland won the endorsement of the committee over Debbie Wachpress and Skylar Hurwitz, in the first round of voting.

“I am proud, humbled and honored to announce that today I received the endorsement of the Bucks County Democratic Committee on the first vote,” Finello posted on her campaign social media platforms. “It’s time to focus on defeating Brian Fitzpatrick!,” she said. 

Fitzpatrick was endorsed over his challenger Andy Meehan by the county Republicans last month.  

Even though Finello earned the party endorsement, nothing indicates Hurwitz or Wachpress are throwing in the towel. 

I’m running for Congress to represent the thousands across the 1st District who feel like they don’t have a voice in Washington, and that’s why I have the endorsements of all three former 2018 Democratic candidates and the support of thousands of grassroots donors and volunteers across this district. I’ve been an advocate and a fighter my whole life and when I get to Congress,  I’m going to stand up for more affordable health care, cleaner air and water, and common sense measures to prevent gun violence,” said  Wachspress in a request for comment.

I sincerely respect each of my primary opponents and their successes: however, my feelings on allowing a room of 300 party insiders to make endorsements remains unchanged since the day I launched my campaign: our goal as candidates should be to expand the party’s base and to allow voters, to drive the democratic process by selecting their Democratic nominee on April 28 , Hurwitz said via text message Saturday evening. 

Judi Reiss, who ended her campaign last month, endorsed Finello Friday night. 

Wachpress started off the week in the lead in the campaign money race, announcing she raised more than $235,000 between October and December of last year with nearly 80% of her contributions coming in increments of $200 or below.

Finello has a little over $11,000.00 on hand according to federal filings.

Wachpress starts off the election year with over $350,000 in the bank, having raised nearly half of a million dollars so far this cycle. 

Hurwitz, in advance of the committee endorsement, held a petition signing event Saturday saying  “We are half way to our goal” of getting the required number of petition signatures to be listed on the primary ballot.

On Friday, Wachpress  earned the endorsement of the three 2018 Democratic primary candidates; Scott Wallace, Rachel Reddick, and Tom Bacher. 

“I am so grateful to those who voted to endorse me and will work hard to earn the votes of those who chose a different option. It’s time to look towards defeating Brian Fitzpatrick,” Finello said. 

Editors Note: The following story was updated overnight to reflect comments provided by candidate Skylar Hurwitz.