Republican Brian Fitzpatrick, Ukraine Support Group Co-Chair, Loses Pennsylvania Seat
Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, a co-chair of a Ukraine support group in the US Congress, lost his congressional seat to Democrat Bob Harvie. Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress, with 224 seats in the House against the 218 needed for a majority.
Key points
- US midterms were held on November 3
- Brian Fitzpatrick lost Pennsylvania's Fitzpatrick district to Democrat Bob Harvie
- Fitzpatrick represented Pennsylvania for five terms
- Democrats won 224 House seats, exceeding the 218 needed for a majority
- Democrats gained control of both chambers of the US Congress
- Republican Reps. Mike Lawler of New York, Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania and Mike Carey of Ohio lost their seats
- Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Darline Grene of North Carolina also lost
Why it matters
The election removed a Republican co-chair of a Ukraine support group from Congress and shifted the balance of power in the US legislature. With Democrats controlling both chambers, congressional support for Ukraine and responses to related policies may operate in a changed political landscape.
What happened
Republican Brian Fitzpatrick, who represented Pennsylvania for five terms and co-chaired a Ukraine support group in the US Congress, lost his seat to Democrat Bob Harvie. Harvie focused his campaign on fighting corruption in Washington and was supported by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Democrats won 224 seats in the House of Representatives, exceeding the 218 needed for a majority, and secured control of both chambers. Republican Reps. Mike Lawler of New York, Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania and Mike Carey of Ohio lost their seats, while Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Darline Grene of North Carolina were also defeated. Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz of Ukrainian origin lost her congressional race. Mitch McConnell, Tom Tillis, Dick Durbin and Jeanne Shaheen did not seek reelection and are leaving Congress, as did Nancy Pelosi.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage highlighted Fitzpatrick's role in supporting Ukraine and his congressional actions on Ukraine and sanctions, including the bipartisan bill he presented after the US-Russia 'diesel agreement.' His defeat was also presented within the broader Democratic gains and Republican losses in the US midterms.
How international sources describe it
International coverage focused on the transfer of control over both chambers of the US Congress to Democrats. The election was presented as part of a broader Democratic wave, with Republicans losing seats across several states.
Background
Fitzpatrick had warned that those involved in restrictions on Ukraine's use of the Starshield program would face full responsibility. He later introduced a bipartisan bill called the Ronald Reagan 'Peace Through Strength' Act, which he said would prevent Donald Trump from lifting the sanctions.