Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The longtime head of the Bucks County Democratic Committee won’t seek another term leading the organization.
Bucks County Democratic Committee Chairman John Cordisco confirmed the news to LevittownNow.com and other news outlets on Friday afternoon via a statement. A message from Cordisco was also sent to supporters.
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On Wednesday, Cordisco, an attorney who grew up in Bristol Borough, declined to comment to this news organization on rumors he was leaving his post, but he indicated a statement would be forthcoming.
Below is Cordisco’s Friday statement:
“After 20 fulfilling and challenging years with the Bucks County Democratic Committee, I will not be seeking another term as Chair of the BCDC. When I became Chair in 2002, the organization was in a troubled condition with little money to its name and an utter lack of democratic representation at the municipal, county, and state level, posing no real challenge to the dominance of the Bucks County Republican Party.
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“In 20 years, we have witnessed a massive transformation of this county, which has become a bellwether for the Commonwealth and the nation. Alongside Bucks County, the Bucks County Democrats have grown by leaps and bounds and it would not have happened without many honorable members of our party who have worked tirelessly to elect good Democrats up and down the ticket in the hopes of building a brighter future for us all. There are many individuals who I wish to thank for our successes, notably, my Vice Chair Helene Ratner and the remainder of the Executive Officers who served with me throughout my tenure. “
“This was not a decision I took lightly. The Bucks County Democrats will forever remain a part of who I am as an individual and most importantly, as a leader. At this stage in my life, I am excited to embark on a new chapter. I look forward to spending more time with my loving family and exploring philanthropic and humanitarian efforts that are near and dear to my heart across the globe.
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“I vow to remain involved in the Democratic Party as I have for the entirety of my life and I look forward to supporting the Bucks County Democrats throughout this critical transition.“
Cordisco’s time as chairperson has seen ups and downs, but he is leaving as Democrats hold the majority of seats on the Bucks County Board of Commissioners. However, there were significant row office losses for Democrats last election. The organization has made gains in recent years in campaign and get-out-the-vote strategies as they take on the GOP in local races.
At times, progressives in his party have criticized Cordisco for not supporting their ideals fully and he has ruffled feathers over some of his friendships with Republicans.
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Commissioners Diane Marseglia and Bob Harvie, both Democrats, released the following statement: “It is not a coincidence that the success and growth of the Bucks County Democratic Committee over the past 20 years has run in line with John Cordisco’s time as Chair. He has lived the values of the Democratic Party his whole life and has set a high bar for the members of our committee… We watched as he took on negativity, apathy and resistance and transformed it into a political force. It was not easy; but he is a warrior. What John Cordisco did for the Democratic Party, in Buck County, will be seen with gratitude for generations.”
“Under John Cordisco’s leadership, the Bucks County Democratic Committee has set a precedent for excellence by continually producing well funded, professional operations year after year. We are grateful for all the contributions that Chairman Cordisco and the BCDC have made to the PA Democratic Party and the Commonwealth,” said Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Patton Mills.
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State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat from Lower Makefield Township, will run for the seat of party chairperson when the election happens in June.
He will remain in his elected office, he confirmed.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
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Santarsiero said he will communicate directly with party members to convey his strategy.
“It has been a lot of change and progress for Bucks County Democrats. I am honored to call him a friend,” Santarsiero said.
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The lawmaker said Cordisco has “truly made Bucks County a two-party county.”
Cordisco got into politics when he became a member of the Bristol Borough School Board in his 20s. He served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives before focusing time on growing his law career.
Cordisco currently serves as the chairperson of the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors and on the board for SEPTA.
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Nationally, the 2022 midterms are not expected to be favorable for Democrats, which is not uncommon when the opposite party has the presidency. However, Democrats nationwide are working to win as many seats as possible.
Bucks County Republican Committee Chairperson Pat Poprik has been leading her party since 2012 when she replaced Bristol Township resident Harry Fawkes, the longtime GOP leader.
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