Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District, which includes all of Bucks County and part of Montgomery County, has long been a target of national Democrats looking to unseat Republicans in one of the nation’s purplest districts.
Inside the electionThe nonpartisan analysis of the Senate, House, governor and presidential campaigns last week released December rankings that gave Democrats more hope than in recent election cycles, moving the race from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican.”
Headquarters PA-01, currently occupied by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01), has been in the “likely or solid Republican” column since the 2018 contest was rated a loss.
“Democrats had a strong Election Day in Bucks County last month, flipping offices the party hasn’t held since the 19th century,” the publication wrote. “This is good news for the likely Democratic nominee Bob HarvieBucks County commissioner and a low-key, longtime local politician who has a different profile than the last few candidates to challenge Fitzpatrick… this race looks more competitive than it did earlier this year.”
Fitzpatrick, one of three House Republicans in the district won by the former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 he was a critic President Donald Trump “One big beautiful bill” i voted “no” on the revised final bill After casting an affirmative vote on the original House of Representatives bill.
Since that July day, Trump has announced his support for nine of the 10 members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation for re-election in 2026. The only omission is effortless to guess.
Democrats hope to link Fitzpatrick to Trump’s unpopular policies and create a path for Harvie, a Bucks County commissioner, to unseat the five-term incumbent. But first, Harvie must survive a four-person primary election involving candidates Tracy Hunt, Rob StricklerAND Lucia Simonelli.
“Commissioner Bob Harvie’s campaign is gaining momentum every day and this change in rating reflects that,” he said Dan McCormickBob Harvie’s campaign manager. “The voters of Bucks and Montgomery counties sent a loud message last month that they are fed up with the failed leadership we see in Washington, D.C., with Brian Fitzpatrick failing to stand up for our community or do anything to make life more affordable. Voters are tired of Fitzpatrick’s charade and are ready to elect a new member of Congress who is a working-class representative who will fight hard for working-class families – and that candidate is Bob Harvie.”
Fitzpatrick’s race joins a vulnerable GOP Representatives Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) i Scott Perry (R-10) in the skinny Republican category, while the Lehigh Valley Republican Ryan Mackenzie sees his competition in the “throw” column.
- Solid Democrat (6). Boyle, PA-03 (open), Dean, Scanlon, Houlahan, Lee
- Likely Democrat (1). Deluzia
- Skinny Democrat (0).
- Drop it off (1). Mackenzie
- Skinny Republican (3). Fitzpatrick, Bresnahan, Perry
- Probably a Republican (0).
- Solid Republican (6). Meuser, Smucker, Joyce, Reschenthaler, Thompson, Kelly
