Biden Endorses Scanlon's 5th District Congressional Bid

Mary Gay Scanlon came out the victor in the Democratic primary race for Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District. And now she has some serious backing from a former Vice President.

On Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden announced his endorsement of Scanlon in the 5th district race.

"Our greatest responsibility as Americans is not only to participate in our democracy but to vote for public servants who embody values worth fighting for. That’s why I am proud to support Democrat Mary Gay Scanlon," Biden said in a statement. "Voters in this region have the opportunity, for the first time, to be fairly represented in Congress by someone whose career has been dedicated to fighting to level the playing field for our children and families. Mary Gay is an advocate this region needs in Congress and a voice Pennsylvania deserves."

Scanlon will take on Republican Pearl Kim and Green Party candidate Brianna Johnston in the Nov. 6 general election as a special election to fill the vacant seat of Republican Pat Meehan, who resigned after allegations of using tax dollars to settle a misconduct claim.

"Vice President Biden has shown us throughout his career the type of leadership that represents the very best of who we are as Americans: compassion, civility and courage," Scanlon said in a statement. "Progress is only possible when we work together and I am honored to have received his endorsement. The stakes have never been higher for us to not only restore faith in our democracy, but in our shared responsibility to create a world that we can be proud of – one that is fair and equitable, where opportunity is not only available to a select few."

The 5th district is newly reformed after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled it was unconstitutionally gerrymandered. Areas included in the 5th district are Delaware County, parts of Montgomery and Chester counties, and South Philadelphia.

See the new district map below:

Image via The White House