Seven-term Congressman cites family needs
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach.
U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-6) announced Monday that he would not seek a seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The move comes as a bit of a surprise — just two years after redistricting made the Sixth a more Republican-friendly district and will suddenly open the field to a number of local Republicans and Democrats.
Gerlach — who sources said has no intention of running for governor in 2014 — said that his decision came down to family.
“Nearing the end of my sixth term in the House and following 12 years of public service in the Pennsylvania House and Senate, it is simply time for me to move on to new challenges and to spend more time with my wife and family,” Gerlach said in a statement. “This is a tremendously difficult decision because I have had the opportunity to work with a multitude of dedicated public servants throughout the years. Together, we have worked to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for the hard-working families we have been privileged to represent.”
Although it is likely a number of candidates will emerge in the coming weeks, a top contender for the seat is Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello, who had been rumored to be planning a race for the 19th District State Senate seat currently held by Andrew Dinniman. Others already rumored: former State Rep. Sam Rohrer and state Sen. John Rafferty. Another rumored candidate is current Chester County Republican Committee chair and former county Controller Val DiGiorgio.
As news spread, reaction began to come in from around the county, most expressing praise and appreciation for his work in elective office.
“Jim Gerlach is a smart and valued member of our delegation,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts (R-16). “Jim and I are both from Chester County and we’ve had many opportunities to work together over the years. We are very sorry to lose him.”
Although he won’t run again, Gerlach said that he and his staff would continue to provide the constituent services they have provided since he first won election in 2002.
“Together, we have worked to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for the hard-working families we have been privileged to represent. While I will not be seeking re-election, I fully intend to continue working with my legislative staff to deliver the highest-quality constituent service the residents of this District deserve through the remainder of my term,” Gerlach said.
Gerlach thanked those who stuck with him through a number of very close election races — from 2002 through 2010, virtually every election was a closely-fought battle.
“I want to acknowledge and express my deep gratitude to all of the outstanding legislative and campaign staff, volunteers, and financial supporters who have been with me during the toughest races in the nation, and the toughest votes in the legislative halls in which I have served,” he said. “Without their tireless work and unwavering support, my service to southeastern Pennsylvania would not have been possible.”
Gerlach, 58, lives in Chester Springs, and he first won election to the state House of Representatives by winning a razor-thin race over State Rep. Sam Morris in 1990. In 1994, he won election to the state Senate.
