Philadelphia

Openly Gay Lawmaker Challenges U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah

Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims is aiming to unseat ifederally indicted congressman Chaka Fattah in the Democratic primary next April.

Pennsylvania's first openly gay elected state lawmaker is challenging a longtime Philadelphia congressman who's vowing to remain in office while fighting corruption charges.

State Rep. Brian Sims on Tuesday announced he's running to unseat 11-term U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah.

He's the third person to challenge the 58-year-old Fattah in next year's Democrat primary.

The 37-year-old Sims has been a state legislator since 2013. He's fought for marriage equality, pay equity and a conversion therapy ban.

He's also a lawyer and a former college football player.

City ward leader Dan Muroff and Lower Merion Township Commissioner Brian Gordon are also running against Fattah.

Fattah has denied charges he paid off an illegal $1 million campaign loan with federal grants and charitable donations, and funneled campaign funds toward his son's student loan.

Fattah is married to NBC10 News anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah, who is currently on leave from NBC10.

Copyright The Associated Press
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