Former VP Biden Endorses Helen Tai In 178th District Race

Vice President Joe Biden has endorsed Helen Tai in the race for Pennsylvania's 178th Legislative District.

A special election is being held May 15 to choose a new state representative to finish out former state Rep. Scott Petri's term for the rest of the year. Tai, a Democrat, and Wendi Thomas, a Republican, are running to represent voters in Northampton, New Hope, Upper Makefield, Wrightstown and Solebury.

Tai is chair of the Solebury Township supervisors. Thomas is a former Council Rock School Board member.

Biden, in his endorsement, cited Tai’s experience as a business leader and her commitment to transparency and good government.

“Helen Tai is uniquely qualified to put state government back in the hands of Pennsylvanians,” Biden said. “Helen has successfully worked with companies and organizations to innovate, improve, and succeed. I know Helen will use these skills to bring greater transparency and fiscal sense to Harrisburg as she has on the Solebury board of supervisors.”

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In a statement, Biden said he is getting involved in state house races because state legislatures are just as important as the federal.

“State legislatures have a direct and substantial impact on our daily lives and we need to make sure we are paying just as much attention to the action in the State House as we do to the chambers of Congress,” Biden said in a statement.

Tai said she was extremely honored to receive Biden’s endorsement.

“I am thankful to have the endorsement of Vice President Joe Biden, a public servant who knows Pennsylvania and has a strong record of working to reform government,” Tai said. “I will fight in Harrisburg as Vice President Biden has in Washington to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”