Credit: Brad Lanning for Congress
One of the four Republican candidates challenging incumbent Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick exited the race Friday.
Advertisements
Bradley Lanning, who resides with his family in the Perkasie area, announced Friday afternoon that he will no longer being seek the seat.
“I did agree along with the 3 other candidates to cede the race to the person with the most petition signatures, as we did not want to split the anti-Fitzpatrick vote. Therefore, as one who has been saved and redeemed by Jesus Christ, I have no choice but to honor God by being true to my word,” Lanning wrote.
GOP sources said there was a discussion between the four Republicans challenging Fitzpatrick, a three-term congressman from Middletown Township, that they would consider leaving the race so the candidate who received most petition signatures would be in a stronger position to challenge the incumbent.
Advertisements
LevittownNow.com was unable to immediately confirm which candidate received the most petition signatures to get on the ballot.
None of the other Republican primary candidates – Alex Entin, Dasha Pruett, or Caroline Avery – posted updates to social media on the status of their campaigns as of Friday afternoon.
Advertisements
Lanning said in his post that he will “continue to believe that I’m the most viable and electable candidate (as the polls reflect) to take on Brian Fitzpatrick and the democratic party.”
Lanning, a realtor who said he has worked with small businesses over his professional career, said in his campaign announcement last year that he would “champion the America First governing philosophy.” He also said he supported the Second Amendment, stand with Israel, reject vaccine and mask mandates, incentivize development of cleaner energy while supporting domestic oil and gas industries, and make sure the “voices of Americans are not drowned out by big corporations, special interest groups, international activists, and lobbyists.”
The remaining Republicans challenging Fitzpatrick are all running on ideals championed by former President Donald Trump. They all have said Fitzpatrick, who frames himself as an “independent voice,” doesn’t represent their values.
Advertisements
The congressman did not vote for Trump in 2016, but he stated he cast his ballot for him in 2020. He also received an endorsement from Trump in the final days of the 2020 election.
In all of his past primary races, Fitzpatrick has been victorious over his competitors.
Advertisements
On the Democratic side, Bensalem Township U.S. Army veteran Ashley Ehasz is running unopposed in the primary. Lower Makefield Township U.S. Navy veteran Paul Fermo dropped out earlier this week.
Below is the text of Lanning’s announcement:
Advertisements
Although it pains me to make this announcement, I’m withdrawing my candidacy for U.S. Congress. Even as I continue to believe that I’m the most viable and electable candidate (as the polls reflect) to take on Brian Fitzpatrick and the democratic party; I did agree along with the 3 other candidates to cede the race to the person with the most petition signatures, as we did not want to split the anti-Fitzpatrick vote. Therefore, as one who has been saved and redeemed by Jesus Christ, I have no choice but to honor God by being true to my word.
To all of those who I’ve had the privilege of building relationships with, and to those who helped our rapidly growing and enthusiastic grassroots campaign, thank you! I’m incredibly inspired by all of you! With that being said, I’m not going away. I will continue to explore ways in which I can serve this nation during this critical period in our nation’s history. God Bless!
Advertisements
Sincerely,
Brad Lanning
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
