Congressional Primary Preview: PA-01

In our continuing series, PoliticsPA takes a look at the Republican contenders for the 1st Congressional District nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives.

BUCKS and MONTGOMERY Counties

Brian Fitzpatrick (R) vs. Mark Houck (R)

Another sitting congressman faces a primary challenge, this time on the Republican side as incumbent Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is being challenged by Mark Houck. Democrat Ashley Ehasz awaits in the fall.

Brian Fitzpatrick

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Middletown Township, Bucks County
• House Assignments. Ways and Means Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
• Membership. Problem Solvers Caucus, Congressional Ukraine Caucus, and Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force.
• Last Election (2022). Defeated Ashley Ehasz, 55-45%, in general election.
• Endorsements. Bucks County FOP Lodge 53; PA Professional Fire Fighters Association; Republican Jewish Coalition PAC.
• Quotable. “I am ranked the #1 most independent Congressman in the entire nation, and that is exactly what our community deserves. Our community is not far-left or far-right, we are centrist and pragmatic.”
• Education. B.S., LaSalle University. MBA, Penn State University. J.D., Dickinson School of Law.
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• FEC Report (from 1/1/2023 thru 12/31/2023)
  • Raised: $3,177,185.97 | Spent: $848,189.86 | Cash on Hand: $1,459,914.25

Mark Houck

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Haycock Township, Bucks County
• Experience. President, The King’s Academy.
• Endorsements. NRA Political Victory Fund. 
• Quotable. “I have seen first-hand what an out of control government can do to its citizens. I will fight to protect all people and their rights under God & our Constitution. My platform is based on common sense.”
• Education. B.A., Catholic University. M.Ed., Holy Family University.
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide
• FEC Report (from 1/1/2023 thru 12/31/2023)
  • Raised: $77,312.33 | Spent: $69,570.63 | Cash on Hand: $7,741.70

District Composition. All of BUCKS County and Part of MONTGOMERY County consisting of the TOWNSHIPS of Franconia, Hatfield, Horsham (PART, Districts 01, 02 [PART, Divisions 01, 02 and 03], 03 [PART, Divisions 01, 02, 04 and 05] and 04 [PART, Divisions 01 (only blocks 3006, 3007, 3008, 3010, 3011 and 3020 of tract 200505), 02, 03 and 04]), Marlborough, Montgomery, Salford and Upper Hanover and the BOROUGHS of East Greenville, Hatfield, Pennsburg, Red Hill, Souderton and Telford (Montgomery County Portion).