Gov. Shapiro Backs Bob Harvie For First Congressional District Seat

Gov. Josh Shapiro has endorsed Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie for Congress ahead of the Tuesday, May 19, Democratic primary.

Harvie, a former Falls Township supervisor, is competing against mathematician and former U.S. Senate advisor Lucia Simonelli for the Democratic nomination in the First Congressional District, which covers all of Bucks County and a portion of Montgomery County.

In a statement on Sunday, Shapiro praised Harvie’s record as a public servant and educator.

“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,” Shapiro said. “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. 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.”

The endorsement is a boost for Harvie’s campaign that has looked past the primary and is focused on flipping a seat currently held by Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.

Harvie criticized the five-time congressman for “falling in line” with party leadership in Washington despite his moderate local reputation.

“This is one of the most important congressional races in the entire country,” Harvie said, adding that he looks forward to campaigning alongside the governor.

Harvie’s campaign pointed out that Shapiro won the First Congressional District by 20 percentage points during his 2022 gubernatorial run.

Harvie already secured endorsements from the Democratic committees of Bucks and Montgomery counties and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis.

The Simonelli campaign responded to the high-profile endorsement.

“Our campaign is fighting for communities being left behind in an economy rigged for the ultra-wealthy and dominated by Big Tech and Wall Street. Massive corporations like Amazon are raking in record-setting profits on the backs of hard working people struggling to make ends meet. We are proud to stand with those resisting the expedited and unregulated expansion of AI Data Centers, and not with those who choose tax breaks for Bezos over our environment, utility bills, climate, and jobs,” said Suzy Wurtz, the communications director for Simonelli’s campaign.

National Democrats have designated the district as a top target for the November general election.

Fitzpatrick, who is running unopposed in the Republican primary, offered praise for Shapiro recently.

The congressman said the governor was doing a “good job” and suggested he should run for president. Fitzpatrick added that he extended a wedding invitation to Shapiro for his upcoming marriage to Fox News White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich.