Incumbent U.S. Rep Chaka Fattah conceded to House Rep. Dwight Evans in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional seat. NBC10’s George Spencer has the details.
Longtime Pennsylvania House Rep. Dwight Evans, the face of Philadelphia's Democratic delegation in Harrisburg for decades, is set to go to Washington, D.C.
He defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah in the Democratic primary Tuesday, virtually assuring for himself the 2nd Congressional District seat, held by Fattah for the last 22 years.
Evans, a leader from the powerful Northwest section of the city, seized on an opportunity to unseat Fattah after the 11-term congressman was indicted last July on federal racketeering charges.
What likely aided in Evans' upset bid was his Northwest stronghold — known for its "power wards," areas with strong voter turnout.
But the district also covers much of West Philadelphia and parts of Montgomery County. Fattah in recent weeks spent heavily on radio and television advertisements, using special funds allotted to congressional offices.
Fattah is currently facing charges in connection with campaign funding dating back to his 2007 bid for Philadelphia mayor. A hearing is set for next month, and the trial could begin soon after that.
