It appears that Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01) will not only face a repeat challenge from the left, but will now face a primary challenger from his own ranks.
Mark Houck, a pro-life activist, announced he will challenge the four-term Republican in the 2024 GOP primary.
Houck, 48, runs a nonprofit called The King’s Men. Its website calls the organization “authentically catholic” and “unapologetically masculine.” Its stated mission is “Under Christ the King’s universal call to serve, we as men, pledge to unite and build up other men in the mold of leader, protector, and provider through education, formation, healing, and action.”
A father of seven, Houck had been accused of violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act on Oct. 13, 2021, when he pushed a volunteer escort at a Planned Parenthood clinic on Locust Street in Philadelphia. The escort, who had confronted Houck’s 12-year-old son, was not seriously injured. Philadelphia courts declined to prosecute Houck, but after Roe v. Wade was overturned about a year later, the U.S. Department of Justice brought charges. He was acquitted in January.
“I have seen first-hand what an out of control government can do to its citizens,” said Houck on his website. “I will fight to protect all people and their rights under God & our Constitution. My platform is based on common sense.
“I am running for Congress to further protect my family, those in the 1st district & the Republic. I will focus on restoring traditional values & principles that are central to the American identity, such as faith, family, & freedom of speech, religion, & the right to bear arms.”
He is a strong supporter of school choice, defending human life at all stages of development, protecting citizens’ rights & freedoms, and addressing the crisis in fatherhood as it pertains to juvenile and adult crime.
In a podcast interview with DV Journal, Houck was asked about challenging a pro-life Republican in a Democratic corner of the state and pushed back on the notion that Fitzgerald actually is pro-life.
“Based upon his voting, he is not a pro-life candidate,” said Houck. “He just voted in the House for a funding of abortion in the military. If we look at his track record, we’re going to see that he is not a bonafide pro-life candidate. So I’m hoping that the voters of the 1st District who want to vote pro-life , they will see that I’m the clear candidate for the position.”
Houck is the lone GOP challenger to Fitzpatrick, while Ashley Ehasz is the lone entrant on the Democratic side.
Fitzpatrick faced a primary challenge in 2022 and defeated Alex Entin by 31 points. He also turned back Republicans Andrew Meehan by 26 points in a 2020 primary and Dean Malik by 34 points in 2018.
“Catholics across the country will be excited to hear about Mark Houck running for Congress. Mark is a longtime champion of the family and the unborn,” said Joshua Mercer, Vice President of CatholicVote.
“Mark Houck knows firsthand how reckless and political our federal agencies have become,” Mercer added. “If elected to Congress, we could have Mark Houck serving on the House Judiciary Committee where he could hold the FBI and Justice Department accountable.”
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27 Responses
Yes, he does look and dress like a gay man.
The “non-profit” is how Houck makes a living.
The escort never did anything with Houck’s son. Houck has taught his son that violence is the answer. Houck has threatened and physically harassed others, and has a terrible temper. Perhaps do a bit of actual research.
I challenge everyone who is for abortion to first view what an abortion is, and do your research, look online there are places to view the actual truth, then, after using your little gray cells, and puking yourself in disgust, only then, think hard and long and ask yourself if this is something you would do and then brag about to anyone. If no, then you are pro-life. If yes, then you are pro-murder, simple as that, there’s no in between. Abortion is the termination of an unborn child. In the next incarnation that might be you. Think!
Wow. The extent to which this article accepts the premises of his campaign without any pushback is ridiculous. Pathetic right-wing hackery. Do better.
What exactly do you dispute?
Exactly
Why is this right wing hack getting prime space for 3 plus days on your website?
And yet, I like to chase little boys.
“unapologetically masculine” made me laugh.
Replacing Fitzpatrick in the primary with an ideological activist seems like an incredibly effective way to turn a red seat in a purple district blue. Of course, if the recent disastrous track record of the PA GOP is any indicator, this could be a real possibility. Look for the PA Dems to cynically do everything they can to boost him.
Ahh yes, how dare those cynical Democrats try to win an election
Fritzpatric is a RINO . I will be supporting change in that position.
While I think what happened to Houck is an outrageous abuse of government power, the Mastriano election should have taught Republicans that nominating extreme candidates in moderate electorates does not work. I don’t totally agree with everything Fitzpatrick does, but he is certainly the “most conservative electable candidate”, and I hope GOP voters continue to support him.
Nope. Mastriano was the best choice for Governor. The RINO RNC gave the State to a Dem rather than gave someone they couldn’t control in power. I will support change in every election to take back this state.
Pam, you are an idiot lemming.
Why should we support someone who supports evil and votes with the Democrats most of the time. I will never support him. What’s the difference if he is moderate. That just means he can be swayed either way. He has no principles I will never vote for him. We need God back in this country and we need candidates who will vote for that.
I will vote for Mr Houck he is definitely a good man and wants to help his country. He is not in the game for his own selfish interest we need some new people with fresh ideas not the same old greedy politicians that are voted in over and over again.
Agreed!
Sounds like Mr. Houck is overcompensating.
yes
An accurate diagnosis.
And yet, he looks like he chases little boys.
That’s libel and if I were him I’d sue you.
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Book sales are down.
LOL