What This Race Is
Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District race will decide who represents Bucks County and part of Montgomery County in the U.S. House of Representatives starting in January 2027. The winner will vote on federal laws and the national budget, influencing issues such as healthcare, taxes, infrastructure, and national policy. This race matters because PA-01 is a competitive swing district that could help determine which party controls the U.S. House. Since control of Congress is often decided by just a few seats, the outcome in PA-01 has both local impact and national importance, making it one of the most closely watched races in Pennsylvania.
Political Candidates
Brian Fitzpatrick (Republican Incumbent)
Like several of his GOP colleagues in Congress, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Bucks, is trying to maintain some distance from President Donald Trump. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
Brian Fitzpatrick is the Republican incumbent representing Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District, which includes all of Bucks County and part of Montgomery County, and he has served in Congress since 2017. Before entering politics, he worked for about 15 years as an FBI special agent and federal prosecutor, focusing on issues like public corruption and national security. Fitzpatrick is known as a moderate Republican who emphasizes bipartisanship, often working with members of both parties and ranking among the most bipartisan lawmakers in Congress. He serves on influential committees such as House Ways and Means and the House Intelligence Committee, giving him a role in shaping economic and national security policy. His centrist approach has helped him win reelection multiple times in a politically competitive, swing district that does not strongly favor either party. In the 2026 election, Fitzpatrick’s record and bipartisan image will be a major factor as voters decide whether to keep him in office or choose new representation.
Potential Challengers
Bob Harvie (Democrat)
Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie said the resolution passed by commissioners on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, is in part a way to “shield” against liability in the face of an expected lawsuit to be filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania over Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran’s signed agreement with ICE. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Bob Harvie is the chair of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners and a longtime local public servant who previously taught in schools and community colleges in the area. He’s running for Congress to try to unseat Republican incumbent Brian Fitzpatrick and has been building momentum with endorsements from local Democratic leaders. Harvie’s campaign emphasizes economic fairness, bipartisanship, and fighting for working families in the district.
Tracy Hunt (Democrat-Former Republican)
Tracy Hunt speaks at a town hall Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at the Horsham Township Community Center. (Kenny Cooper/WHYY)
Tracy Hunt is an attorney and business law professor at Delaware Valley University who previously was a Republican before switching to the Democratic Party because of dissatisfaction with its direction. He entered the Democratic primary saying he wants to reduce political divisiveness and appeal to independent and unaffiliated voters in the district. Hunt focuses on issues like raising the federal minimum wage and lowering health care costs.
Lucia Simonelli (Democrat)
From left, Tracy Hunt, Lucia Simonelli and Rob Strickler take part in a Jan. 13 town hall featuring Democrats running for U.S. Representative in the First Congressional District.
Lucia Simonelli is a mathematician with a Ph.D. who has also worked in the U.S. Senate as a science fellow and directs programs at a nonprofit focused on technology and clean air. She says she’s running to give voters more options in a competitive primary and wants to tackle high health care costs, energy issues, and ensure better representation for areas like Upper Bucks County. Simonelli emphasizes campaign finance reform and bringing scientific and technical expertise to Congress.
Robert “Rob” Strickler (Democrat)
https://www.robstricklerforcongress.com
Rob Strickler is a business manager for an eyewear company and former video game designer and software product manager who describes himself as a political “outsider.” His campaign focuses on protecting democracy, reducing the influence of money in politics, and supporting progressive ideas to help working‑class people. Strickler supports reforms like campaign finance changes and has said he wants to make the government work better for everyday Americans.
“where does each candidate stand on important issues”
Sources:
www.inquirer.com/politics/bob-harvie-brian-fitzpatrick-house-seat-bucks-county-election
www.inquirer.com/politics/bob-harvie-brian-fitzpatrick-house-seat-bucks-county-election-
buckscountybeacon.com/2025/12/lucia-simonelli-give-democrats-another-option-in-the-pa-01-congressional-primary