Candidate Tracy Hunt. (Credit: Submitted)
Attorney Tracy Hunt announced his candidacy for the Democratic primary in the First Congressional District on Tuesday, joining two other Democrats in the race to challenge Republican incumbent Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in 2026.
Hunt, a 25-year attorney from New Hope, is a former registered Republican who said he switched parties due to frustration with the current political environment.
Hunt is running against Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvey and Buckingham Township resident Rob Strickler for the Democratic nomination next spring.
“Like a lot of people, I think I’ve become really frustrated with the sort of political environment,” Hunt said. “The last 10 years have been a real kind of eye opening revelation in terms of things that I didn’t think could happen for our country, that democracy could be jeopardized.”
Hunt, who has represented individuals and worked with labor unions, described his decision to run as driven by disappointment with elected officials. He said they have failed to serve as effective checks and balances in government.
“I always assumed that Congress is one of those checks and balances that keeps the other two branches in check,” Hunt said. “Particularly in this last six months, you can see that that’s not happening anymore. They literally are in recess right now. They literally put an out to lunch sign on the door.”
Hunt’s switch from Republican to Democrat reflects what he sees as broader changes in the Republican Party over the past two decades. He voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and has supported Democratic presidential candidates since then.
“Twenty years ago, I think my values and what I believe the Republican Party’s values were, were more aligned,” Hunt said. “That’s changed a lot over those last 20 years. I don’t think my values have changed. I do believe the Republican Party has changed a lot.”
He specifically criticized what he called increased extremism and divisiveness within the Republican Party, including “the welcoming of white nationalists and things of that nature within the party.”
Hunt, who is also a professor at Delaware Valley University, positioned himself as an outsider, contrasting his background with that of career politicians. He said he approaches issues from the perspective of a constituent.
“I am coming at this as a constituent, not a politician,” Hunt said. “When I look at things, I look at it from the everyday Bucks County citizens approach to it, not as an elected official that has whatever background that comes with.”
Hunt, who called the Democratic Party a “big tent,” said he wants to see it start winning, positioning himself as a “modern Democrat.”
He expressed concern for working families struggling economically, referencing his volunteer work with the United Way of Bucks County. He noted that 25 percent of Bucks County residents are categorized as “asset limited, income constrained, employed” individuals.
“These aren’t people on federal handouts. These aren’t people looking for handouts. These are people who are working hard and they still can’t keep up,” Hunt said.
Hunt offered criticism of Fitzpatrick, arguing that the congressman’s moderate reputation does not align with his voting patterns.
“He portrays himself as moderate. When push comes to shove, he doesn’t vote that way,” Hunt said.
He challenged Fitzpatrick’s claim of doing his best on controversial bills, arguing that as a multi-term congressman, Fitzpatrick should have been able to influence other Republicans to vote with him, including of the recent federal tax and spending bill.
“He’s been in Congress since 2016. He’s a multi-term congressman. He only needed a few other Republicans to pull them over onto your side, Brian, and get them to vote no on that bill,” Hunt said.
The candidate also criticized Fitzpatrick’s limited public appearances, noting what many of them are at controlled environments at Chamber of Commerce meetings where questions are pre-screened.
Hunt expressed support for campaign finance reform and said he plans to focus on direct voter contact.
“I think that’s one of the problems with the political system. Money is driving these campaigns like this,” Hunt said. “My objective will be to go out and fundraise and fight fire with fire, and I’m going to get out there in the old fashioned way and actually go talk to people because Brian’s avoiding that.”
As a former Republican, Hunt said he believes he can appeal to Republican voters who may be dissatisfied with current representation.
“As a former registered Republican, I feel I can walk into a group full of Republicans and talk to them,” Hunt said. “A lot of them agree with the message that I’m talking about.”
Hunt, who grew up at Fort Bragg, said he decided to run after talking to people in the community and after discussing it with his wife and children.
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Fitzpatrick, who has represented the district since 2017, in the 2026 general election.
Maureen O’Toole, the eastern regional press secretary for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said the Democratic primary is a “clown car” and said they stand no chance against Fitzpatrick.
“I welcome Tracy Hunt’s entry into the race and look forward to hearing his specific ideas on how to deal with the issues facing residents of PA-1 and our country. Let’s have a robust and friendly primary vetting process to ensure the best candidate will face off with and defeat Brian Fitzpatrick in 2026,” said fellow candidate Strickler.
The Harvie campaign declined comment.
The First Congressional District, which includes parts of Bucks and Montgomery counties, has been considered a competitive swing district in recent election cycles.
Editor’s Note: Tracy Hunt and Publisher Tom Sofield both serve on the United Way of Bucks County Board of Directors as volunteers.
