Republicans will have a primary in the 172nd Legislative District.
U.S. Army veteran Patrick Gushue announced he is running in the April 23 GOP primary in the 172nd.
Gushue will face Burholme Civic Association president Aizaz Gill in the primary. Gill has the party endorsement. Democratic Rep. Kevin Boyle is seeking an eighth term.
The House is deadlocked at 101-101, though Democrats will likely win a special election in Lower Bucks County on Feb. 13 to take control for the rest of the year. A Republican win in the 172nd in November could help flip the House to the GOP.
A Bustleton resident, Gushue, 31, graduated from St. Matthew Elementary School and Father Judge (class of 2011) before entering the military and serving as an Army Ranger.
Later, he attended Gwynedd Mercy University, graduating in 2022 with a degree in business management. Now, he’s pursuing a master’s in public administration at Penn’s Fels Institute of Government.
Last year, he worked on Sam Oropeza’s campaign for City Council at large, and Oropeza is supporting him in this race.
Gushue said his eight years of military service instilled in him a sense of duty, honor and commitment to the well-being of the community, adding that he is ready to bring dedication to the service of the people of the 172nd.
Gushue said his campaign will focus on issues such as crime, education reform and creating economic growth. He will emphasize the importance of bipartisan cooperation and fiscal responsibility.
Gushue traces his entrance into the race to 2019, when he came home to Philadelphia after serving in the Army and saw a city in crisis.
“I thought I had a duty to step up and serve my community,” he said.
Gushue supports school choice and more funding for city public schools to help boost sagging reading and math scores and to improve infrastructure in buildings that contain asbestos and lead.
The son of two Philadelphia police officers – his dad Shawn is retired and his mom Eileen is nearing retirement – he said he’ll be supportive of public safety groups in office.
The candidate also backs lower taxes on individuals and businesses.
“A big part of my campaign is more money in your pocket,” he said.
Perhaps tops on his agenda, due to his background in the military, will be a focus on issues involving his fellow veterans.
“It’s something I’ll be passionate about in office,” he said. “I’m going to be able to help them.” ••
