Republican Brian Fitzpatrick Elected in Pennsylvania’s 8th District
Former FBI agent replaces his brother GOP Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick
Republican Brian Fitzpatrick will defeat Democrat Steve Santarsiero in Pennsylvania’s 8th District, The Associated Press projects.
Fitzpatrick led Santarsiero 54 percent to 46 percent with 71 percent of precincts reporting.
The suburban Philadelphia district — open this cycle with Rep. Michael G. Fitzpatrick, the GOP candidate’s brother, not running — was a top target for House Democrats.
Democrats saw the district’s middle-class and ideologically moderate voters as ones it could win over, especially if the party performed well at the top of the ticket.
[Case for a Wave Election Murky]
Pennsylvania’s 8th District borders New Jersey, north of Philadelphia. It covers Bucks County and part of Montgomery County.
Coming into Election Day, the race was rated a Tossup by the Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report/Roll Call.
In 2014, Michael Fitzpatrick beat Democrat Kevin Strouse 62 percent to 32 percent.
Brian Fitzpatrick is a former FBI special agent and former special assistant U.S. attorney. In the bureau, he served as national director of the Campaign Finance and Election Crimes Enforcement Program and as a national supervisor in the Public Corruption Unit.
Combating terrorism is a top issue for Fitzpatrick, who spent time embedded in Iraq as an al-Qaida interrogator.
