Politics & Government

Chester County Commissioner Enters Race for Gerlach's Seat

Ryan Costello to seek Sixth District to replace Gerlach.

Ryan Costello, Chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, announced his candidacy for Congress today in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District Wednesday morning.

Costello, who is seeking the Republican nomination, said in a statement that he came to decision after conferring with family members and local residents.

“In Congress, both parties need to work together to do what is in the best interest of the country, just as we have worked cooperatively here on the county level,” said Costello.  “But right now, things in Congress have devolved to a constant game of trying to make the other party look bad.  It needs to stop.”

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Costello ran for the 6th district in 2012, finishing second behind Gerlach in the primary election.

“I recognize that this is going to be one of the most watched races in the nation,” he said. “I am going to work tirelessly each and every day of the campaign to demonstrate to local residents in this very diverse district that I understand the challenges they face and am the right person to serve as their voice and advocate in Congress.”

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On the other side of the political coin, West Chester businessman and Malvern resident Mike Parrish announced this week he is running on the Democrat ticket for the position held by outgoing congressman Jim Gerlach.

Costello is member of the West Chester business Improvement District Board of Directors and the Phoenixville Hospital Board of Trustees. He graduated from Ursinus College and the Villanova School of Law.


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