A California-based group with ties to Democrats is making waves in a Pennsylvania congressional primary by supporting a Republican challenger against the Republican incumbent. True Patriots PA, a liberal group associated with California Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell, has sent out mailers to Pennsylvania voters criticizing GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and suggesting he is not conservative enough. The mailers aim to boost Fitzpatrick's primary opponent, Mark Houck, by framing Fitzpatrick as a 'RINO' (Republican in name only) and implying he does not align with the values of former President Trump's supporters.
The mailers, which feature images of Fitzpatrick photoshopped onto a rhinoceros body, claim that Fitzpatrick has aligned himself closely with Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris. True Patriots PA reportedly spent around $26,000 on these mailers, with Meagan Olson listed as the treasurer for both the group and the Swalwell campaign.
Rep. Swalwell has distanced himself from the efforts to undermine Fitzpatrick, stating that he considers Fitzpatrick a friend and commending him for his actions in securing aid for Ukraine. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) also disavowed any involvement in supporting Houck, citing a shift away from propping up 'far-right' candidates in swing districts.
Houck, a pro-life activist, has acknowledged past struggles with pornography and sexual sin, which have been highlighted by opponents in attack ads. Despite these revelations, Houck has defended his past actions as part of a transformative journey away from harmful behaviors.
This situation reflects a broader trend of liberal funds being directed towards Republican challengers in an attempt to weaken candidates aligned with former President Trump. Similar instances have been observed in Senate races in Ohio and Montana, where PACs linked to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have intervened in GOP primaries.
Fitzpatrick, who has not disclosed whether he will endorse Trump, has faced criticism for his voting record but managed to secure re-election in 2022 by a significant margin. His campaign has denounced the efforts to boost Houck, describing him as an 'admitted porn addict and serial grifter' with extreme policy positions.
