Businessman Jumps in Race to Challenge Cartwright

ChrinRepublican Lehigh Valley businessman John Chrin is jumping into the race to challenge Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna).  

“The 17th District needs a Representative in Congress with the practical business experience needed to enact real change and to bridge the divide to get things done. We need new leaders from outside the political system who are focused on serving the needs of the working families they represent,” Chrin said in a statement announcing his bid.  

Chrin, a Easton native, has spent most of his career in the financial services industry.  He became a Managing Director at JP Morgan Chase before spending three years teaching at Lehigh University.  After teaching at Lehigh, Chrin joined his wife’s investment advisory company Circle Wealth Management.  

According to his website, Chrin is the first person in his family to attend college.  He attended Lehigh University and attained degrees in Economics and Industrial Engineering.  Chrin later got an MBA from Columbia University.  

Chrin is focusing on economic development in the district, and what he will do to lower taxes.  

“The district needs a true champion who knows how to attract new industries and employers to the region. Economic development is necessary to also relieve some of the tax burden on retired people,” Chrin said in the release.  

Cartwright is the only Pennsylvania Democrat targeted by the National Republican Congressional Committee for next year.  

Update: Cartwright’s campaign responded to the announcement by pointing to the important issues that will likely be at stake next year, and Cartwright’s position to work on the issues.

“We welcome Mr. Chrin to the race. There’s likely to be a lot at stake in next year’s elections, including protecting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans’ benefits, economic development grants and other federal programs that can add jobs to our region. Congressman Cartwright intends to use his seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee to protect these priorities for our district,” Cartwright’s Campaign Manager Colleen Gerrity said in an email.

5 Responses

  1. Cartwright stands for nothing. Not a bad guy, but hasn’t faced a real opponent for awhile. Last year was a joke and it was closer than anyone thought it would be. While John seems to be a good business man, as we’ve seen, that doesn’t always mean he is going to be a good elected official. I would guess that since this is a targeted race for the NRCC, this will not be the last R to jump into this race.

  2. Read about this and more in Zakrey Bissell’s new book “I’m an Idiot” on bookshelves now!

  3. I think for he might win this seat next year. and not the incumbent congressman Matt Cartwright.

  4. Oh boy, just what DC needs, another “businessman”, especially a Wall Street guy. How “practical” is that experience for understanding what real people need?

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