Welcome to the epicenter of Pennsylvania politics for the 2020 Primary.
Tuesday at 5 p.m. was the deadline for candidates to file nominating petitions for the April 28 Primary, and several of the hottest races in the state will take place right here in southeastern Pennsylvania.
First, there is embattled state Sen. Daylin Leach, D-17, who represents a slice of Delco along the Main Line as well as a chunk of Montgomery County.
Leach, who has been under fire amid demands that he step down from party leaders in both counties as well as Gov. Tom Wolf in the wake of allegations of inappropriate behavior, is facing no less than three challengers in the Democratic primary.
He will be challenged by Parthenia Izzard, of Haverford Township; Amanda Cappelletti, of East Norriton Township; and Elvira Berry, of Lower Merion. All three filed petitions to get on the ballot.
While Montgomery County Democrats did not make any endorsement in the race, Delaware County Dems are backing Cappelletti, earning a rebuke from Leach and a threat that he might sue over the process they used.
Haverford resident Ellen Fisher is running unopposed for the Republican nomination.
This one should be a dogfight.
Then there is the 9th District Senate race that straddles parts of both Delaware and Chester Counties. It's the home turf of Sen. Tom Killion, one of the last men standing in the once-dominant Delco GOP delegation in Harrisburg.
Three Democrats have filed petitions seeking their party's nod to challenge Killion, who is wearing one of the biggest targets in the state as Dems seek to make more inroads in the Republican majorities in both the Pa. House and Senate.
Delaware County Democrats have endorsed labor leader John Kane, while their counterparts in Chester County are lined up behind businessman Brett Burman. Chester County resident Robert McKinstry also is seeking the nomination.
Then there is the 19th District Senate race next door in Chester County. That was the domain of Sen. Andy Dinniman. He opted not to seek re-election. That leaves three Dems seeking the nod - his top legislative aide, Don Vymazal; the head of the West Chester NAACP, Tredyffrin Township resident Kyle Boyer; and state Rep. Carolyn Comitta, D-156.
Republicans Kevin Runey and Amber Little also filed petitions to run in the 19th district.
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