Now that the 2013 election is over, 2014 candidates can really start to get serious.

Valerie Arkoosh’s campaign for the PA-13 nomination increased their ranks with the hire of Bryan Lesswing as her communications director.

Originally from Illinois, Bryan has been working in progressive politics for the last several years. Prior to joining Val Arkoosh’s campaign, he worked for New Partners Consulting on a variety of immigration, labor and trade causes, political organizations and campaigns across the country.

“I’m excited to be joining Val’s team and looking forward to sending more physicians with decades of real-world experience and policy expertise to Congress,” Bryan told PoliticsPA.

Arkoosh is running against Marjorie Margolies, Daylin Leach and Brendan Boyle for the Democratic nomination in Allyson Schwartz’s district. Schwartz announced that she wouldn’t be seeking reelection in the district in order to pursue the governorship.

The last fundraising quarter was strong for Arkoosh; she brought in $228K this quarter and leads the field with $588K on hand – more than $210K more than her nearest competitor. This is particularly impressive for someone who has never held political office. Arkoosh is a physician and health care reform activist.