Pennsylvania’s 6th congressional district race has been touted as being a highly contested one, and could be very important at both the state and the national level, and now petitions have been submitted and the field for PA-6 has been solidified.

With the Democrats hoping to make ground in the House, the retirement of popular Congressman Jim Gerlach has been viewed as an opportunity for the party to pick up a seat.

The two Democrats, moderate Mike Parish and Dr. Manan Trivedi, both submitted their petitions and will face off against each other in May for the Democratic primary.

Trivedi, a three-time candidate for the seat, filed 2,150 signatures.

“We want to thank over 60 volunteers, from across the district for all their hard work and true demonstration of grassroots support,” said Trivedi’s spokesperson, Daren Berringer. “This effort and these results are all about them and so is our campaign.”

Despite Trivedi’s long history in the district, he was beat in signatures by first-time candidate Mike Parrish.

Parrish amassed 2,500 signatures.

“I’m thankful for the early support of voters across the district,” said Mike Parrish. “Every voter I reached out to agreed that we want something different than a career politician like Ryan Costello in Washington. This support from across the district is why I am the best candidate in this race to do what it will take to grow the economy and create jobs here in Pennsylvania. I started my own businesses where I created good paying jobs – here, in Pennsylvania. I understand firsthand the challenges that small businesses face.”

On the Republican side, Chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioners Costello has announced that he received 2,814 signatures for his bid for the soon to be vacant PA-6 seat. Costello only needed 1,000 signatures to get on the ballot.

“I appreciate the strong enthusiasm and support from local residents for my campaign for Congress, especially those who circulated our petitions in their local communities throughout the district,” said Costello. “I want to serve as the voice of local residents who are concerned about the future direction of the country and I will work to restore a national sense of optimism and strengthen our national and regional economy.”

“Heading into the primary, we are continuing to build momentum and a strong grassroots organization that will help deliver Ryan’s message to voters,” said Peter Towey, Costello’s campaign manager.

A strong showing in the amount of petition signatures will by no means guarantee victory, but it doesn’t hurt to display a candidate’s ability to assemble a strong base of support.