State Rep. Brian Sims, who represents Center City including the Gayborhood, announced Tuesday that he is running for Congress.
In a social-media posting, Sims made the rumored bid official.
“Brian has served the people of Pennsylvania by fighting for LGBT rights, strengthening public education, preserving services for senior citizens and expanding civil rights,” the post read. “Now, with your help, Brian will take his talents to Washington to continue fighting for the people of Pennsylvania.”
Sims did not return a call for comment.
Sims, Pennsylvania’s first elected openly gay state lawmaker, would be running for a seat in the April 26 primary that covers parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. It’s currently held by U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, a Democrat who was indicted in July on charges of racketeering and related crimes. He pleaded not guilty and plans to seek a 12th two-year term.
Dan Muroff, an attorney and ward leader for the powerful Philadelphia Ninth Ward Democratic Committee, and Brian Gordon, a commissioner in Lower Merion Township, have both announced their plans to run for Fattah’s seat.
On Tuesday night, Sims is hosting a fundraiser to support his “Congress Exploratory Committee.” A flier about the event says Sims will host a “candid conversation about bringing ethical behavior back into Philadelphia Area Politics.”
Regular tickets are $50, and guests can contribute up to $2,700 to the exploratory committee.
Tuesday’s announcement directed supporters to a campaign website: https://act.myngp.com/Forms/5460193894321882880.