There were two challenges filed Tuesday that seek to knock state Rep. Brian Sims off of this spring’s primary ballot.
A challenge to Sims’ nominating petitions was submitted by Walter Spencer and Sunanda Ghosh and another by Michael T. Connor and Andrew Allison. Connor is the partner of one of Sims’ primary challengers, Lou Lanni.
To appear on the April 26 ballot, all candidates were required last week to submit 300 valid signatures from individuals who belong to their political party and who live within their district. Objections to the validity of those petitions were then due to the Commonwealth Court this week.
Sims, who did not respond to a request for comment, submitted approximately 580 signatures.
Sims, the state’s first openly gay elected state lawmaker, is set to face primary challengers Lanni, Ben Waxman and Marni Snyder. Sims last week ended his Congressional bid, in which he challenged embattled Congressman Chaka Fattah.