Former Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Doug Pike conceded defeat yesterday, after his primary challenger, Manan Trivedi, squeaked out a victory in the 6th district primary.
Pike, who had invested more than $1 million of his own money into his campaign, and had gained the early support of several local congressmen, wasn’t able to hold off Trivedi, who entered the race months after Pike had declared his candidacy.
Trivedi will face Rep. Jim Gerlach (R) in the general election this fall, but that much hasn’t been clear all along. Gerlach had announced a run for governor last year, but as his statewide campaign failed to pick up speed, he decided to run for re-election in the Chester County-based 6th.
Pike initially appeared set to move on to the general election unopposed after quickly putting together significant fundraising and support from the local establishment, but Trivedi’s candidacy changed everything. Pike appeared unsure of how to treat the upstart Trivedi, and wrote several public letters to Trivedi proposing a ‘positive’ primary. Trivedi slowly gathered support from several local unions and political organizations, and by early May, had clearly gained momentum.
Pike’s full statement is below:
ARDMORE, PA – Today Doug Pike issued the following statement congratulating Dr. Manan Trivedi on his victory and endorsing him for U.S. Congress in the 6th District of Pennsylvania:
“Today I spoke by phone with Dr. Manan Trivedi and congratulated him on winning the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 6th District of Pennsylvania.”
“Manan would be a much better member of Congress than Republican Jim Gerlach, a career politician who has let working families down again and again. I endorse Manan Trivedi –- a doctor and veteran who served on the front lines in Iraq — and I urge my supporters to unite behind him.”
“To the hundreds of people who worked their hearts out to send me to Congress: I will always remember and appreciate your dedication. Today is the end of our campaign, but it’s not the end of my service to others – and I know it’s not the end of yours. Thank you.”
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