Former Dem. Congressional Nominee Endorses Wachspress

YARDLEY, PA — Pennsbury school board member Debbie Wachspress got a boost in her Democratic bid to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick on Thursday, receiving the endorsement of her party's 2018 nominee for the seat.

Scott Wallace, who lost to Fitzpatrick by a vote of 168,841 to 160,098, called Wachspress a good friend in his endorsement in the 2020 race for Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District.

"I know well of her deep personal commitment to improving the day-to-day lives of the good hard-working people of Bucks and Montgomery Counties," Wallace said, "To a fair tax system, to universal health care, to quality public education, to peace and diplomacy, to women’s reproductive rights, to real gun control measures, to climate solutions, and to an end to the corporate gravy train and pay-to-play politics."

Wallace joins Rachel Reddick and Steve Bacher, his 2018 primary rivals, in backing Wachspress.

Wachspress is running for the Democratic nomination against Ivyland Borough council member Christina Finello and Skylar Hurwitz, a technology consultant from New Hope.

Wallace's endorsement comes on the heels of reports that Wachspress has built a substantial fundraising lead over her primary opponents.

According to the Federal Election Commission, Wachspress had raised more than $450,000 in the race by the end of 2019, compared to about $81,000 for Finello and $10,000 for Hurwitz.

"I am so honored to receive Scott’s endorsement," said Wachspress. "I admire all of the work he has done for our community and I am thrilled to have him on my team."

Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, has begun racking up endorsements of his own in his re-election bid.

On Tuesday, Fitzpatrick — a former FBI special agent — received the endorsement of Bucks County's Fraternal Order of Police lodge.

"As a former law enforcement officer with the FBI, I know the significance of the thin blue line," Fitzpatrick said in a news release about the endorsement. "I’m proud to stand with and fight for fellow (law enforcement officers), and am honored to have the support of the Bucks County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 53."

Last week, Fitzpatrick was endorsed by the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association as well.

Fitzpatrick is being challenged in the Republican primary by financial planner Andrew Meehan.