Sims makes it official — he’s challenging Fattah for Pa. congressional seat

     Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims 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. (AP file photo)

    Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims 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. (AP file photo)

    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 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.

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    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.

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