He describes himself as an All-American college football player. He says he was a teacher and a high school football coach. He claims to have endorsements from the NRA and prominent Republicans such as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), and Reps. Scott Perry (R-10), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and Chip Roy (R-Texas).
Problem for Mark Houck is that few of these claims appear to be accurate.
The Republican challenger in PA-01 to incumbent Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has been under fire from those in his own party about his record heading into the April 23 primary.
In September 2022, Houck, the co-founder and president of The King’s Men, made national headlines when federal authorities arrested him for allegedly knocking down an abortion-rights activist outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Philadelphia. The arrest drew outrage by some conservative politicians and media pundits, who alleged President Joe Biden’s administration was cracking down on anti-abortion activists. Federal officials denied the claim.
Houck’s family told news outlets an FBI SWAT team raided his home, which the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office disputed. Images from the raid showed armed FBI special agents, but not a tactical team. Houck was acquitted on all charges in January 2023.
In his May 2023 testimony to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government about the case, Houck provided a bio that included language that described himself “As a former All-American collegiate athlete and high school football coach,” as well as his seasoned life experience as a human resource manager, youth counselor and high school teacher.”
The Bucks County pro-life advocate attended Catholic University (1992-96) and did play free safety for the Cardinals, picking off nine passes over his final three seasons. But researching the CUA athletic website, Houck is not included among its lengthy list of All-America football players.
Houck’s high school teaching career appears to have some holes, as review of teacher certification records from the Pennsylvania Department of Education shows that he only had an “Emergency Permit: Day-to-Day Substitute All Subject Areas PK-12” in the Cheltenham School District during the 2003-04 academic year. That permit expired at its conclusion.
Last September, Punchbowl News published an article saying that Houck had name-dropped Perry as his inspiration to run for the seat and challenge Fitzpatrick.
Houck attempted to retreat from that statement, telling PennLive, “He’s not colluding with me to take Brian Fitzpatrick out of office … It wasn’t like that at all.”
Perry spokesperson Matt Beynon said “While Congressman Perry greatly respects Mr. Houck’s tireless dedication to fighting for the unborn, he only encouraged Mr. Houck to pray about a decision to run for Congress.”
But Punchbowl released audio that supported the writing of its reporter, Mica Soellner.
Mica: “Did [Perry] encourage you at all to run for this seat?”
Houck: “Yeah, I mean he obviously said this is a decision that you need to make. But if he were in my shoes, he would do it, is kind of his words. Because that’s exactly what he did. But, yeah, he did encourage me.”
And it wasn’t just the central Pennsylvania Republican whose name was invoked by Houck.
“I didn’t want to run for Congress. People have been encouraging me … to consider it. I eventually could not refuse it thankfully for the influence of Reps. Jim Jordan, Chip Roy, Scott Perry, and Mike Johnson,” Houck told the Vortex With Michael Voris.
Roy responded to POLITICO via text that “I am always happy to talk to friends, like Mark, who stood athwart the tyrannical FBI, but I have not pushed anyone to run or not run. It’s not my job. It’s the voters of PA.”
More recently, Houck’s campaign website took some liberties under his “endorsements” tab, posting a letter from the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) on his “AQ” rating from the organization. An AQ rating is the highest rating a candidate can receive without a voting record on Second Amendment issues.
The NRA-PVF’s website does list a number of official endorsements in Pennsylvania races, including Reps. Ryan Mackenzie (R-07) and Mike Kelly (R-16) in contested Congressional primaries, but fails to list Houck or Fitzpatrick in PA-01.
And just last week, Houck told the Delaware Valley Journal that he had scheduled a debate with Fitzpatrick for April 14. This turned out to be erroneous and the DVJ was forced to publish a retraction.
Fitzpatrick, a former federal prosecutor and FBI agent, is consistently ranked among the most bipartisan members of the House. He cochairs the Problem Solvers Caucus and is a leading voice pushing for the U.S. to fund Ukraine, which his party’s most right-wing members largely oppose.
But Fitzpatrick also voted against impeaching former President Donald Trump and against forming a select committee to investigate the Jan. 6 attack. He joined every Republican in the House in opposing Biden’s American Rescue Plan. More recently, he voted for impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and initially supported hard-right Jordan for House speaker, before flipping his vote during the chaotic search for a GOP speaker.
Houck is hoping to turn out enough conservative Republicans frustrated with Fitzpatrick to win the April 23 primary and take on Democrat Ashley Ehasz in November.
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33 Responses
fitz isn’t ideal but this houck guy is a creep.
Voted in favor of H.R. 7910 “Protecting Our Kids Act” (votesmart.org)
Rated 0% by National Rifle Association (None)
Voted in favor of HR 1112 “Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021” (votesmart.org)
Voted in favor of H.R. 8 “Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021” (votesmart.org)
https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/167708/brian-fitzpatrick
2023 GOA rating 33%
2018-2022 NRA 0%
The 2nd Amendment – The Congressman sworn oath to protect and defend – A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Which part of “shall not be infringed” don’t you get? With 10+million illegal unvetted military aged males entering the US Border plus millions of “got aways” will red flag laws that Fitzpatrick wants for Americans put on these folks? Will the 600% increase on Chinese national military aged males also be getting background checked – they are using American gun ranges and infiltrating military bases unchecked? Is this good for you in your community? Police in Pittsburg, PA are not responding to theft crimes and burglary calls anymore – how’s that working for you. Philly already did that – so keep voting for Congress persons Ehasz or Fitpatrick – it won’t make a difference they both are WEAK on Constitutional principles and why America is weaker today more than ever.
According to the Constitution -we have solid Congressional Records on Brian Fitzpatrick’s voting record. His voting record is hurting our country.
https://thenewamerican.com/freedom-index/legislator/?search=fitzpatrick
In 4 Terms, 8 years Fitzpatrick Constitutionally 28% of the time. Sadly, Americans are so uneducated to know that the people created a limited government. Learn what guides our Constitutional Republic. I’m glad he’s a “nice” guy but his voting record is Making America Weak.
This “New American” site is crazy. Every sentence has an ultra right wing epithet.
He’s just creepy
Despite being acquitted, he in fact DID push a 70 year old volunteer to the ground. twice. Maybe his victim was not badly hurt, but pushing someone down on a sidewalk could be serious especially if their head is hit on the cement sidewalk. Houck was there to block people from getting into a health clinic, the person he assaulted was there to protect patients from people like him. Mr good christian assaults a 70 year old..yeah the justice dept is biased in holding him accountable.
Just because the swamp backs Fitzpatrick with all the money needed for his smear campaigns doesn’t make it true. A vote for democrat voting Fitz is a vote against our great President Trump. Historically, Fitzpatrick has steered clear of former President Donald Trump and his colleagues in Congress. He did not attend Trump’s recent visit to Bucks County and has avoided the media this campaign cycle. Believe what people do not what they say. Join the brave patriots in standing up to the swamp and vote for Mark Houck. Don’t fall for the lies and the swamps tactics. Mark Houck is a very great person who supports President Trump and the constitution. Drain the swamp!
Yes I do believe that we should follow people’s actions not what they say. And when it comes to Donald trump, you can listen to his words, and you can watch what he does, and it’s all vile. Have a great day and God bless!
Protecting is young son who the 70 year old was spitting at while verbally abused the child saying mean and vile things about his dad and the work his dad does. Also Why did the Philly DA Krasner not prosecute Mark then?
If you’re a parent, do you want any adult person relentlessly pursuing your child with like this man did? Google the video, it was presented at the Federal Trial and it’s featured in the documentary “Police State” – you can see the 70 y.o. turning and approaching Mark Jr repeatedly. The man was verbally warned to go back to his escort post 50 or more yards away – he didn’t. If that was you, would you also protect your child? Everyone likes to nit pick and photo shop and cut and splice sound-bites to make their point. Philly dropped the charges – why isn’t that information posted?
It seems quite obvious that the powerful people behind the scenes are protecting their FBI and FOREIGN POLICY ESTABLISHMENT asset Fitzpatrick. He has a 28 Freedom Index score and none of the DC crowd have a problem with that or his record of printing money to fund the CIA wars at home and abroad.
https://thenewamerican.com/freedom-index/legislator/?search=fitzpatrick
Spot on Andy! Here’s tons of facts why Fitzpatrick is wrong for PA01
What’s Brian’s NRA rating? Why does Brian vote with the Dems 74% of the time? Why does Brian not refer to himself as a Republican? All these things should have been addressed in your article.
This opinion piece is full of inaccuracies. Did the Fitz campaign fact check your work Steve?
What about it is inaccurate? That’s a hell of an accusation to through around while presenting zero examples or proof.
If the press was honest, they’d listen to voters in PA01 who have challenged Rep Fitzpatrick not once but now four times. Why? Because Fitzpatrick’s voting record is the lowest among House Republicans in DC. Since 2017 till now, Brian Fitzpatrick’s voting record using the U.S. Constitution, the governing authority for all things in the Federal government and which Ftizpatrick and others in elected office swear and take an oath to uphold and defend is at a lifetime score of 28%. That means he votes unconstitutionally 72% of the time. Who else does this? Progressive democrats who also don’t align with the U.S. Constitution’s Enumerated Powers found in Article 1 Section 8. PA01 Republican voters want a limited federal government and Republicans send representatives to Congress to hold that line. Congressman Fitzpatrick does not do that. The Freedom Index is just one platform that rates him. This article tells us why. Fitzpatrick works with a bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, co-chaired by a Democrat from Maine. Sadly, the democrat has influence over Fitzpatrick’s votes as his Freedom Index Score reports. https://thenewamerican.com/freedom-index/legislator/f000466/votes/congress-118/ Fitzpatrick may have voted against the American Rescue Act in 2021 (the 117th Congress), but recently (the 118th Congress) he voted for HR5860 which kept funding the federal government at bloated 2023 levels and offered no spending cut amendments. He may have voted to impeach Mayorkas, but Fitzpatrick voted against defunding $2,548,250,000 in HR4665 which colleague Perry (R-PA) offered to defund the State Departments funding of Migration and Refugee Assistance. We all know this is a deep state operation to increase immigration that will fundamentally transform the USA and change the demographics in our country which will affect voting for years to come. Fitzpatrick also violated his oath by allowing the federal government to put “kill-switches” in our cars which is a violation of the 4th and 5th Amendment plus an infringement on our personal liberties, this was HR4820. No candidate is a perfect candidate and to focus on discrediting Mark Houck who is not a career politician but a concerned American father of 7 who was a victim of Government’s abuse of power is just as bad as Brian Fitzpatricks political action committees who distort the truth about him too. As for the debate, that was not requested by the Houck Campaign but from EAGLE FORUM EDUCATION & LEGAL DEFENSE FUND. This was legit and Mr. Fitzpatrick did what he does to constituents who call his office to complain about his voting record, he ghosted Eagle Forum and others who wanted him to appear and he didn’t attend this debate. If he was a real man, he would have said he can’t attend and why. The event went on with an empty podium for the incumbent. Mr. Houck attended and presented his positions and they were well received. Sadly the voters can’t do a real comparison to make the best choice for PA01 because no one knows the real voting record for Brian Fitzpatrick. Articles like this pick and choose things Brian did to make it look like he’s a “conservative”. We all know he doesn’t endorse Pres. Trump and never did.
Saying he voted against impeachment is a joke. He did vote to censure President Trump in 2021 because impeachment would look bad as Biden started office. The link above will give you a strong review of the 28% Constitutional score. If we truly care about restoring a Constitutional Republic, Brian Fitzpatrick is NOT the candidate for PA01. What would the difference be if Ashley Ehaz was in that office – maybe 10-20 points lower but that’s also just the same as what Fitzpatrick has done to this collar county of Philly. He votes just like his colleagues labeled Democrats in the 5 counties in and around Philly and that’s something to brag about because he has an R next to his name. Get real. True conservative constitutional patriots in PA01 want real representation in DC. I’m voting for Mark Houck for PA01 April 23, 2024.
This article tells us why. Fitzpatrick works with a bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, co-chaired by a Democrat from Maine. Sadly, the democrat has influence over Fitzpatrick’s votes as his Freedom Index Score reports. https://thenewamerican.com/freedom-index/legislator/f000466/votes/congress-118/ Fitzpatrick may have voted against the American Rescue Act in 2021 (the 117th Congress), but recently (the 118th Congress) he voted for HR5860 which kept funding the federal government at bloated 2023 levels and offered no spending cut amendments.
He may have voted to impeach Mayorkas, but Fitzpatrick voted against defunding $2,548,250,000 in HR4665 which colleague Perry (R-PA) offered to defund the State Departments funding of Migration and Refugee Assistance. We all know this is a deep state operation to increase immigration that will fundamentally transform the USA and change the demographics in our country which will affect voting for years to come.
Yes I do believe that we should follow people’s actions not what they say. And when it comes to Donald trump, you can listen to his words, and you can watch what he does, and it’s all vile. Have a great day and God bless!
Fitzpatrick also violates his oath by allowing the federal government to put “kill-switches” in our cars which is a violation of the 4th and 5th Amendment plus an infringement on our personal liberties, this was HR4820.
The “kill switch” is fake news. Its not in the bill.
During consideration of the fiscal 2024 Transportation-HUD appropriations bill
(H.R. 4820), Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) offered an amendment
that would prohibit the use of federal funds to implement Section 24220 of the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which requires that all new passenger
motor vehicles be equipped with “advanced drunk and impaired driving
prevention technology.”
This federal “kill-switch” mandate to forcibly “monitor the performance” of
every driver and automatically “prevent or limit motor vehicle operation” is a
violation of the fundamental right of the American people to travel freely, with
a reasonable expectation of privacy. The Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the
U.S. Constitution not only protect against “unreasonable searches and
seizures” of persons and their possessions, but also provide that no person
shall be deprived of “liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
6. Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-Ky.) amendment to HR $+3 No
4820 Defunding “Kill-switch” Mandate (Rejected 201 to
229 on 11/7/2023, Roll Call 616). Defunds the federal “killswitch” surveillance mandate for all new passenger vehicles.
See U.S. Const., amends. 4 & 5.
Responses are below – For the reader, All Appropriations begin in the House. When this bill came up in the 2023 Transportation-HUD spending bill – Sen. Massie put forth an Amendment to “defund this measure the “kill switch”. Whether this Amendment got through or not isn’t the debate. defunding this measure and $ to put this device in your cars is unconstitutional and anti-liberty. I hope you’d agree to that if you value individual liberties. The fact remains, this amendment was put forth – your PA01 Congressman voted NO-to defund this measure that’s the POINT Milo… it’s not FAKE NEWS – it is the duty of the Citizen to know how your Congress person represents you in Congress. Does Fitzpatrick VOTE for limited govt? NO – when he got in office 2017 the National debt was $20 Trillion now it is $36… Trillion and growing by $1Trillion every 100 days. Find me an Appropriations bill, a Continuing Resolution, or Discretionary spending bill he opposed or put an amendment to to stop unconstitutional Big Govt. spending – he loves the teachers unions so much they gave him 100% and called him a Democrat in 2020 or the 2022 election -and YES there’s proof – captured by patriots before his campaign said “oh fix that” like the R- DA got caught on Dem yard signs in BC, Pa. If it walks like and duck and acts like a duck, … it’s a duck.
As for the debate, that was not requested by the Houck Campaign but from EAGLE FORUM EDUCATION & LEGAL DEFENSE FUND. This was legit and Mr. Fitzpatrick did what he does to constituents who call his office to complain about his voting record, he ghosted Eagle Forum and others who wanted him to appear and he didn’t attend this debate. If he was a real man, he would have said he can’t attend and why.
Houck is a Joke as a Canadate for US Congress. He $$$supporters are from out of town Democrats.
They Know their Democrat Canadate will Crush Houck.
Brian has a 80%better chance to win.
Don’t be fooled.
Vote for Fitzpatrick.
I know I will never vote for Houck or anyone who assaults people outside medical clinics. It’s Fitzpatrick or it’s Ehasz.
please provide funding proof – ty
https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/campaign-finance/167708/brian-fitzpatrick
evidence please
https://heritageaction.com/scorecard/members/f000466
118-Session score 49%
4 Terms lifetime score 35%
Avg House “Republican” 75%
Here’s a fact check – We all know Brian Fitzpatrick doesn’t publicly endorse Pres. Trump and never did. Fitzpatrick did vote to censure President Trump in January 2021 because “impeachment would look bad as Biden started office.” source Fitzpatrick website agreeing with Dem. J Manchin’s thoughts for Congress protecting Biden to unify the country.
If the press was honest, they’d listen to voters in PA01 who have challenged Rep Fitzpatrick not once but now four times. Why? Because Fitzpatrick’s voting record is the lowest among House Republicans in DC. Since 2017 till now, Brian Fitzpatrick’s voting record using the U.S. Constitution, the governing authority for all things in the Federal government and which Ftizpatrick and others in elected office swear and take an oath to uphold and defend is at a lifetime score of 28%. That means he votes unconstitutionally 72% of the time. Who else does this? Progressive democrats who also don’t align with the U.S. Constitution’s Enumerated Powers found in Article 1 Section 8. PA01 Republican voters want a limited federal government and Republicans send representatives to Congress to hold that line. Congressman Fitzpatrick does not do that. The Freedom Index is just one platform that rates him. This article tells us why. Fitzpatrick works with a bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, co-chaired by a Democrat from Maine. Sadly, the democrat has influence over Fitzpatrick’s votes as his Freedom Index Score reports. https://thenewamerican.com/freedom-index/legislator/f000466/votes/congress-118/ Fitzpatrick may have voted against the American Rescue Act in 2021 (the 117th Congress), but recently (the 118th Congress) he voted for HR5860 which kept funding the federal government at bloated 2023 levels and offered no spending cut amendments. He may have voted to impeach Mayorkas, but Fitzpatrick voted against defunding $2,548,250,000 in HR4665 which colleague Perry (R-PA) offered to defund the State Departments funding of Migration and Refugee Assistance. We all know this is a deep state operation to increase immigration that will fundamentally transform the USA and change the demographics in our country which will affect voting for years to come. Fitzpatrick also violates his oath by allowing the federal government to put “kill-switches” in our cars which is a violation of the 4th and 5th Amendment plus an infringement on our personal liberties, this was HR4820. No candidate is a perfect candidate and to focus on discrediting Mark Houck who is not a career politician but a concerned American father of 7 who was a victim of Government’s abuse of power is just as bad as Brian Fitzpatricks political action committees who distort the truth about him too. As for the debate, that was not requested by the Houck Campaign but from EAGLE FORUM EDUCATION & LEGAL DEFENSE FUND. This was legit and Mr. Fitzpatrick did what he does to constituents who call his office to complain about his voting record, he ghosted Eagle Forum and others who wanted him to appear and he didn’t attend this debate. If he was a real man, he would have said he can’t attend and why. The event went on with an empty podium for the incumbent. Mr. Houck attended and presented his positions and they were well received. Sadly the voters can’t do a real comparison to make the best choice for PA01 because no one knows the real voting record for Brian Fitzpatrick. Articles like this pick and choose things Brian did to make it look like he’s a “conservative”. We all know he doesn’t endorse Pres. Trump and never did.
Saying he voted against impeachment is a joke. He did vote to censure President Trump in 2021 because impeachment would look bad as Biden started office. The link above will give you a strong review of the 28% Constitutional score. If we truly care about restoring a Constitutional Republic, Brian Fitzpatrick is NOT the candidate for PA01. What would the difference be if Ashley Ehaz was in that office – maybe 10-20 points lower but that’s also just the same as what Fitzpatrick has done to this collar county of Philly. He votes just like his colleagues labeled Democrats in the 5 counties in and around Philly and that’s something to brag about because he has an R next to his name. Get real. True conservative constitutional patriots in PA01 want real representation in DC. I’m voting for Mark Houck for PA01 April 23, 2024.
Houck got his inspiration from George Santos. LOL