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PA12: Bowman-Hosley Enters GOP Race

Jessica Bowman-Hosley, a professor at Lock Haven University, announced her candidacy for the Republican primary for the special election in the 12th House District.

Rep. Tom Marino (R-Lycoming) announced he was resigning from Congress last month to take a job in the private sector, but told the Daily Item two weeks ago that health issues prompted his resignation.

In a press release announcing her bid for Congress, Bowman-Hosley is described as a “long-time conservative leader” who has resided in the district her whole life and understand the importance of public service.

“My parents taught me the importance of public service and raising my three children has showed me that we need leaders in Washington who are not afraid to take a stand for what is right today and for our future generations,” Bowman-Hosley said in a statement. “I am a lifelong resident of the 12th congressional district, I love our communities, and I am committed to fighting for our north-central Pennsylvania values each and every day in Congress.”

Bowman-Hosley currently advises the College Republicans at Lock Haven University and her mother directed former Sen. Rick Santorum’s north-central Pennsylvania regional office. Her announcement also included endorsements from Santorum and David Urban, President Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania Campaign Chairman.

The press release also states that Bowman-Hosley “knows the importance of fighting for faith, family and the freedoms protected by our Constitution.”

The GOP friendly 12th District voted for President Trump by over a 35 point margin in 2016, while Marino was the first Pennsylvania Congressman to endorse his candidacy in the GOP primary. Trump selected Marino to be the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, but was never confirmed, in part due to a Washington Post/60 Minutes report detailing his role pushing a bill that “undermined” the DEA.

It’s expected to be a crowded field on the GOP side for the open seat. In addition to Bowman-Hosley, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports state Reps. Fred Keller (R-Snyder) Jeff Wheeland (R-Lycoming, Union), former Marino primary challenger and Bradford County Commissioner Doug McLinko, Iraq War veteran and businesswoman Stacy Garrity, among others are interested in the GOP nomination.

Last week, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party officially nominated Marc Friedenberg as their candidate. Friedenberg, an assistant teaching professor at Penn State, where he teaches cybersecurity and cyber-law courses, was the Democratic candidate in November against Marino.

The Republican Party will select their nominee for the seat on March 2.

The special election date is set for May 21, the same day as the Pennsylvania primary.

Disclaimer: David Urban is part of PoliticsPA’s ownership group.

This story was updated to note that Jessica’s mother directed former Sen. Rick Santorum’s north-central Pennsylvania regional office. The headline was also updated to note that there is no primary for the race, since the party selects the candidate.

9 Responses

  1. I think for they are going to choose between you or Stacy Garrity in Pennsylvania 12th congressional district gop convention today.

  2. I only vote for candidates who support HB/SB 76 – The Property Tax Independence Act. It is the most important piece of legislation brought to the General Assembly in my lifetime.

  3. Home-schools her kids but draws a paycheck from a publicly funded university? Mentions religion first, Constitution third. There’s a lot that can go wrong with the nomination in the hands of a hardline theocrat who might challenge G.T. Thompson if the place is ever redistricted.

  4. If she has ties to Santorum and Republican Party, it would appear there is a solid chance to be get the Republican nod. Since there would have to be a tsunami of biblical proportions for Dems to win this seat, it would appear that fundraising in this particular district is not quite as urgent as elsewhere.

  5. Note faith comes first and Constitutional rights a distant third for her. Tells you where her head will be at. Radical religious right, no doubt.

  6. She mentions the Constitution – I wonder if she is going to weigh in on Trump’s skirting the Constitutional powers of allocating funding that is strictly assigned to Congress?

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