Brian Fitzpatrick Declares Victory In Congressional Race

There will be another Fitzpatrick serving the Eighth Congressional District.

Levittown-native Brian Fitzpatrick, a retired FBI special agent and lawyer, declared victory before supporters at the Bucks County Republican Committee headquarters in Doylestown late Tuesday night.

The announcement was made by the first-time politician as about half of Bucks County’s voting districts showed Fitzpatrick with slightly over a 7 percent lead over his challenger, Democratic congressional candidate State Rep. Steve Santarsiero.

“We never really thought this race was as close as people said or thought,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick, a 42-year-old who lives in Middletown, will replace his brother, Mike, who decided not to run again for the seat.

“I can never begin to fill those shoes,” Fitzpatrick said of replacing his brother.

Fitzpatrick stated in interviews with LevittownNow.com that he plans to work to increase job training programs, reduce the national debt and keep national security a key focus. He realizes that the economy is a key issue for local residents.

Fitzpatrick told supporters he would bring an outsiders perspective to Washington D.C.

Santarsiero, a 51-year-old Lower Makefield resident, solemnly shook the hands of his supporters inside the Sheraton Hotel in Falls Township after Fitzpatrick declared victory. He told Democrats that the race is not definitive, but if current trends continue, his chances of winning do not look good.

The nationally-watched race was projected to be tight but Fitzpatrick supporters seemed cautiously optimistic as Tuesday went on and more voters went to the polls.

Fitzpatrick met with voters across the Eighth Congressional District Tuesday and did not invite media as he voted. He said Tuesday night the decision was because he didn’t believe in the media spectacle.

Santarsiero and national Democrats worked hard to link Fitzpatrick to controversial Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who Fitzpatrick said he would vote for but did not endorse. However, Fitzpatrick eventually denounced Trump and said he would not vote for him in October.

Fitzpatrick has framed himself as a “problem solver” with experience in leadership. After joining the race in January, Fitzpatrick held smaller events to meet with voters and hear their concerns. Fitzpatrick’s campaign ads focused on the candidate and his experience with the FBI and growing up in Levittown.