Harvie faces one Democratic primary challenge in congressional bid – Bucks Round-Up – March 12, 2026
Harvie faces one Democratic primary challenge in congressional bid
Open primary elections are best for voters, says Democrat Lucia Simonelli, who is running against Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, the party-endorsed Democratic congressional primary candidate. Late last year, Harvie announced a 2026 campaign, with the blessing of the Bucks County Democratic Committee, to challenge Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). Other Democratic former hopefuls, including Simonelli, called for an open primary as well. Simonelli, a native of Montgomery County who now lives in Quakertown, is the only Democratic challenger who launched a campaign and filed necessary petition papers in Harrisburg. She will face Harvie in the May 19 primary. According to her website, Simonelli, has a PhD in mathematics and once was an advisor to the U.S. Senate on climate and energy policies. Nothing on her site indicates outright political or philosophical differences with Harvie, but Simonelli believes she has a better chance of defeating Fitzpatrick, an independent-minded centrist. Months ago, other Democrats came forward with their intentions to oppose Harvie, but none filed petitions by this week’s deadline. They are Will Wagner, Rob Strickler, Tracy Hunt, Tom Taft, and Mike Zeltakalns. Simonelli is seeking their support.
One teen bomber seen shopping in local fireworks store
A young man who appeared to be Emir Balat, 18, was caught on video in Phantom Fireworks in Penndel days before he and his associate were arrested in a failed terror plot on March 7 in New York City. The owner of the store was alerted by news reports describing “improvised explosives,” advising employees and the owner in this case to check their records see if the suspects had shopped in one of the stores. A match was made, followed by a call. Balat purchased a fuse which the store owner described as flimsy, slow-burning, and easily extinguished. The Middletown resident, Balat, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, of Newtown remain in federal custody charged with terrorism after attempting to bomb an anti-Islam protest near Gracie Mansion, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence. The pair allegedly admitted being inspired by the international terrorist organization, ISIS, following their arrest.
Bird flu breaks out in Bucks County
State and county officials are warning people who visit county parks to avoid the wildlife. The Bucks County Parks and Recreation Department issued an advisory that Bucks County is experiencing an outbreak of avian flu in an unnamed county park and in Bristol Borough. Both reports were based on the “sickly” behavior of Canada geese. Peace Valley Nature Center in New Britain Township issued its own warning about the outbreak. Lake Galena within Peace Valley has hundreds of Canada geese on its water at any time. The Pennsylvania Game Commission also said more cases among the bird population are expected as wild birds migrate through the state in the coming weeks. Bird flu can infect other animals, including domestic birds like chickens and turkeys as well as foxes, goats, cows and cats, but is rare among humans. To guard against contagion, officials advise viewing wildlife from a safe distance, avoiding contact with wild birds, or their “donations,” and refraining from handling wildlife unless permitted through hunting or trapping. For health concerns after contact with birds or other potentially sick animals, contact a primary care doctor or the Pennsylvania Department of Health (1-877-724-3258).
Pat Wandling is a veteran journalist, formerly of the Bucks County Courier, and was a mainstay on WBCB for over 20 years.
