PA-8: Potential Dem Opponent

With all of the political action occurring in Pennsylvania during the past few days and weeks in relation to retirements, challenges, and appointments, it is no surprise that freshman Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Levittown) has drawn potential opposition.  Former Bucks County prosecutor Dean Malik (D), who has twice run unsuccessfully for Congress, yesterday announced the formation of a congressional exploratory committee for the 2018 election.  
 
Mr. Fitzpatrick was elected 54-46% over then-state Rep. Steve Santarsiero (D), winning the right to replace his brother, Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Levittown), who declined to seek re-election.  The 8th District is politically marginal, and turned in the two closest consecutive presidential results in the nation from 2016 and 2012, respectively: 48.2-40.0% Trump over Clinton, and 49.4-49.3% Romney topping President Obama.  Still, the district has performed reliably for Republicans at the congressional level.  Since the 1992 election, inclusive, Republicans have only lost this district in two campaign years.

--Jim Ellis