Dems vote for open primary, setting up primary battle between incumbent Rep. Margo Davidson, challenger Sekela Coles

Delaware County Democrats met for their endorsement meeting last night, and the big news of the night was a snub for incumbent state Rep. Margo Davidson, D-164.

Davidson was successful in stopping an endorsement for her primary foe, Upper Darby Council Member Sekela Coles, but saw a vote show more supporters for Coles. Delco Democrats voted 69-64 in support of Coles and against Davidson, who is seeking a fourth term representing Upper Darby in Harrisburg. It’s not the first time Davidson has been challenged from inside the party. After winning the seat to succeed longtime Upper Darby Republican Rep. Mario Civera, who gave up his seat to run for a seat on County Council, Davidson was endorsed by the part in 2014, but still faced a challenge. She staved off attorney Billy Smith in a bitter primary fight. Smith had attacked her for her pro-life stance and women’s rights issues. Sunday night the county Dems voted 39-34 to back Coles. “Today’s vote sends a clear message that Democrats in Delaware County do not stand behind Rep.Davidson’s record of failing to fund schools, failing to pass a budget and failing to support a woman’s right to choose,” said Daniel McNamara, Coles’ campaign manager. “It shows that Delaware County Democrats are ready for new leadership that will fight for progressive values such as fully funding and equitably funding public education, standing up for women and spurring economic growth in the 164th legislative district.” For her part, Davidson this morning said she considers this a victory, since this was not a formal endorsement, and she had indicated the vote means an open primary, which is what she has wantedfrom the time that Coles announced her candidacy. She also claims to have the backing of several mayors in the district. Davidson seemed to downplay the importance of the backing for Coles, blasting the move and saying that “committee people are a bunch of party insiders.”

Coles has represented Upper Darby’s 7th District on township council since 2014. She holds a Ph.D. from Walden University and is an adjunct business professor at Harcum College and Delaware County Community. She has served on Bywood Elementary’s Parent Involvement Program, Governor Wolf’s Transition Committee on Drugs and Alcohol, and the Advisory Board of Delaware County Community College’s branch campuses. Keep an eye on this one. Davidson has beaten back challenges before - including one launched by those in her own party. It’s clear her staunch pro-life beliefs rub a lot of people in the party the wrong way. This one should be a barn-burner.