LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. – Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley is dropping out of the race to represent the Lehigh Valley and parts of Carbon and Monroe counties in Congress.
Pinsley announced Wednesday that he is ending his campaign for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District and will instead seek the Democratic nomination for the 16th State Senate District, according to Mike Fahey, with Fahey Communications.
In an announcement Wednesday, Pinsley said he made the decision to leave the race after assessing his campaign finances.
Pinsley said he will aim to win the Democratic nomination for State Senate in the 16th District.
“While I may not have the means to raise the stratospheric amounts of cash required just to compete in a congressional primary, I do have the network, support, and experience to win the nomination for State Senate in the 16th District,” Pinsley said in his announcement.
The 7th District seat is currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie.
Six people are aiming to secure the Democratic nomination for the seat: former Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure; Ryan Crosswell; Carol Obando Derstine; Aiden Gonzales; Lou Shupe; and Bob Brooks.
Mackenzie is currently the only candidate running on the Republican side.
The primary election will take place on May 19 with the general election to follow on Nov. 3.