Elizabeth Moro
Kennett Square’s Elizabeth Moro announced Friday that she would withdraw from the race for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the new 6th District which includes all of Chester County.
Moro’s withdrawal leaves Chrissy Houlahan as the lone Democratic candidate in the May 15 primary.
Moro originally sought to run for Congress in the old 7th District — currently held by U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan and included the Kennett Square area. A subsequent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision that the old districts were discarded — pushing the old 16th and 7th out of Chester County. Despite subsequent appeals, the Federal courts chose to uphold the new districts, causing a scramble for candidates suddenly finding themselves with largely new districts — or thrown together with new primary opponents. Between that and some struggles in raising the amount of money to run an effective primary campaign against Houlahan, Moro decided this was not her year.
“The reason I ran this race was to bring better leadership for the people,” she said in a statement. “Due to situations that are beyond my control, now is not my time. I am withdrawing my name from the race for U.S. Congress in PA 6th. I wish all the candidates I had the pleasure to campaign in the former 7th and new 6th the best in the race ahead.”
While she said she appreciated all who helped and supported her campaign, she noted some frustration with the growing influence of money and big donors in politics and how it can keep qualified candidates from running for office.
“In running this race, I experienced many things up close and saw all our issues revolve around one thing,” she said. “The biggest challenge to our democracy is the influence that outside money and large donors play in silencing the voice and vote of the people. Your choice has already been decided before you get to the polls. The remedies for the things so important to us never get fair debate because of the influence of those who put money in the pockets of our candidates and elected leaders. Our democracy goes to the highest bidder.”
While Houlahan now sees her path cleared, Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello faces a primary challenge from Pennsbury attorney Gregory McCauley in the May 15 primary.
