Jason Dawkins last week announced he’s a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 179th Legislative District.
The Frankford resident has resigned his post as senior legislative aide for City Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez to run for the Lower Northeast House seat now held by freshman state Rep. James Clay.
“Residents of the 179th have been underserved for too long,” Dawkins said in a Jan. 6 announcement of his candidacy. “I’m excited about this race and looking forward to continuing my service to my family, neighbors and community partners.”
The district runs from Olney into Oxford Circle, Frankford, Wissinoming and a small part of Lower Mayfair.
Clay said Friday he expected to have competition this year and he believed it would be Dawkins.
He said he and Dawkins had a sitdown a couple of years ago when Clay was beginning his first campaign.
“I figured he would run against me,” Clay said in a phone interview.
“The reason I’m running for office is simple: our current representative is not experienced to lead our community into a future that’s productive, vibrant and viable,” Dawkins stated. “I believe I’m the best candidate that’s here — willing to listen, understand and respond to the concerns of residents of the 179th.”
Clay said he’s ready for the campaign and is proud of the services he provides to his constituents.
“There’s not much to do but continue to do the right thing,” Clay said.
Dawkins’ campaign will hold an “announcement rally” from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Frankford Boys and Girls Club, 1709 Kinsey St.
Until 2013, the 179th was represented by Democrat Tony Payton Jr., whose nominating petitions successfully were challenged in 2012, and he was knocked off the ballot. ••
