Retiring Pa. Congressman Removes Name From Ballot

Rep. Ryan Costello, R-Pa., will take his name off the May 15 primary ballot for the redrawn 6th Congressional District, which he currently represents, after announcing his retirement on Sunday.

Philly Inquirer's Jonathan Tamari broke the news on Twitter early Tuesday morning.

Although Costello had already announced his intention to retire, but Pennsylvania Republicans had hoped he would wait to drop out of the race until after he won the GOP nomination, thereby allowing the party to select a replacement. Instead, the only remaining Republican on the ballot is attorney Greg McCauley.

“Given the timing of his announcement and my firm belief that he could win re-election, I am disappointed by his decision not to seek re-election,” Chester County and Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Val DiGiorgio wrote to GOP supporters after Costello announced his retirement, according to The Inquirer.

The district, which was recently redrawn to include Philadelphia suburbs that strongly supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, is now likely to swing towards Democrat Chrissy Houlahan, who has the endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden, according to The Cook Political Report.

• Pa.'s Costello 38th Republican To Leave — But White House Is 'Not Concerned'
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