First Dem announces he’ll challenge Gerlach

A former member of the Philadelphia Inquirer’s editorial board became the first Democrat to challenge Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) on Wednesday.

Doug Pike will run for the southeast Pennsylvania seat that is a perennial target for Democrats.

In a statement, Pike emphasized that he is “not a career politician” and said that he “won’t play political games.”

Pike’s announcement also comes as Gerlach continues to consider a run for governor next year. Gerlach has launched an exploratory committee and website, GerlachforPa.com, and some state party insiders have suggested he is leaning toward running.

State Sen. Andy Dinniman and attorney Dan Wofford are other Democrats that are reportedly considering the race. Wofford ran for the seat against Gerlach in 2002.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-stage.thehill.com