​Buckingham Democrat Joins Race For U.S. Congress In PA01

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Buckingham Democrat Robert Strickler announced his campaign on Monday to seek the Democratic nomination for Congress in Pennsylvania's 1st District.

Strickler, who describes himself as "just some guy" with no prior political ambitions, says he was compelled to run due to concerns about threats to American democracy and what he views as
inadequate representation from current congressman, Republican Brian Fitzpatrick.

"I'm no politician. I've never had any ambitions for public office," said Strickler. "But due to Donald Trump's authoritarian attacks on our democracy and disregard for our Constitution, along with Brian Fitzpatrick's cowardly inaction and silence, I fear for the rights and freedoms we've come to take for granted as Americans."

He continued, "Fitzpatrick took an oath to defend our Constitution, yet he wouldn’t even vote to impeach Trump after he incited the riot that led to an attack on our capitol, which Fitzpatrick himself called, ‘Nothing short of a coup attempt!’ If you won’t impeach for a coup attempt, then what will it take for Fitzpatrick to oppose Trump?”

Campaign Platform

Strickler criticizes what he calls the "Big Billionaire Benefits Bill" and argues that it represents a betrayal to district residents who depend on Medicaid, SNAP, and other vital programs. Strickler contends the legislation will add more than $3 trillion to the national debt while providing benefits primarily to wealthy Americans.

"We need to be fiscally responsible and reduce deficit spending for the sake of today's children and future generations," Strickler said. "Meanwhile, billionaires continue to benefit while low and middle-income Americans get no relief. I say cut tax rates at the lower end and shift rates higher those at the top."

Grassroots Approach

In an unconventional move for modern political campaigns, Strickler announced he will not be seeking donations. Instead, he's focusing on building grassroots support through direct voter
engagement.

“We’ve got to fix our government to make it work for working men and women, and that starts with getting money out of our elections," he said. "Mega donors and PACs have warped and overwhelmed our politics and it must stop.”

Strickler said the phrase "Ditch Fitz! Dump Trump!" reflects his dual focus on local representation and national political concerns. "I'm just asking for your support and vote in the 2026 Democratic primaries and the general election so we can make government truly work for lower and middle-income people of Pennsylvania and the USA," Strickler said.

Campaign Launch

The decision to run for Congress came after community members encouraged him to consider candidacy. "This grassroots origin story aligns with his campaign's emphasis on neighbor-to-neighbor politics rather than traditional political machinery," he said.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With 16 months until the election, Strickler said his early campaign launch "signals an intention to build sustained community engagement rather than relying on traditional late-stage campaign spending." His platform emphasizes protecting democratic institutions, supporting working families, and ensuring fiscal responsibility in government spending.

To read more about Strickler and his campaign, click here.

About Pennsylvania's 1st District

Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District includes all of Bucks County and parts of Montgomery County. The district has been represented by Republican Brian Fitzpatrick since 2017, making it a key battleground in efforts to flip competitive House seats.

Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination earlier this year.