Rep. Costello Will Not Run For Re-Election

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County's U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R-6) will not seek re-election to Congress this fall, he announced on Sunday, leaving the race wide open for Democratic challenger Chrissy Houlahan and further threatening the national Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

The news is undoubtedly a blow to Republican aspirations in the district. Costello, 41, enjoyed incumbent status, and has handily won his past two elections, serving since 2014. However, he would have been facing a 2018 electorate that is more volatile and unpredictable than in recent years. He also would've had to contend with the newly redrawn 6th district, which includes the Democratic stronghold of Reading.

The recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that the redrawn map was constitutional influenced Costello's decision to retire, he said in an interview with MSNBC's "Kasie DC" on Sunday.

"It's the most difficult decision I've ever had to make," said Costello, who also pointed toward a desire to spend more time with his two children and wife. Among Costello's chief complaints with the redrawn map was the fact that the state legislature was not given a chance to draw it.

>>New Map Proposal Would Put All Of Chester County In 6th District

Costello also provided some candid commentary on the state of electorate in southeastern Pennsylvania and across the country, and noted that his political stance as a moderate left him between a rock a hard a place.

"The left has grown more angry by the week, as President Trump says things, and does things, which many Republicans, myself amongst them...disagrees with," he added. "That, coupled with the fact that every single time I speak out and voice my disagreements with what the President might do and might say, (that) has my pro-Trump Republicans not too pleased with me either."

Costello has disagreed with Trump on a number of key issues, including climate change and healthcare. He's also advocated for "common sense" gun reform.

In a statement, challenger Houlahan acknowledged Costello's service.

"While Congressman Costello and I might have disagreed on many issues, I respect and thank him for his service to our country, Commonwealth, and community,” Houlahan said. "I wish him and his family well in this new chapter of their lives. My campaign is just getting started. I look forward to continuing to travel throughout our district to listen to all of the people in our community."

Costello is now one of six incumbent Republican Congressmen from Pennsylvania who is not running for re-election, along with local U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan (R-7).

The state's 6th and especially 7th Districts, both in the Philadelphia region, had been among the most gerrymandered in the nation. The redrawn map heavily favors Democrats, and the two suburban Philadelphia districts could factor as important swing races in determining the larger balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives come Election Day.

Image via U.S. Rep. Costello's Office