She could become Pennsylvania’s first female senator. But, she’s got a long road ahead of her.
Montgomery County Commissioner Chairwoman Dr. Valerie Arkoosh announced Monday that she will be running for the Democratic ticket in the 2022 Pennsylvania Senate Race. Current Senator Pat Toomey (R) had previously stated he would not be running for reelection.
Should she win the ticket, she would be the commonwealth’s first female to become senator.
Arkoosh, a medical doctor, lives in Springfield Township, Montgomery County, is a mother of three and is married to Jeff Harbison.
“We’re at a critical moment. I’m fiercely determined to do what’s right — to stand up to Trump Republicans and push back on their harmful agenda,” Arkoosh said in her announcement video, which aired on YouTube Monday. “Instead, we’ll build a future that lifts people up, rebuild our infrastructure with good paying union jobs, protect our planet by addressing the climate crisis, and finish the job we started to lower the cost of health care.”
The current county commissioner chair said that she hopes to “get things done” for the state, should she win the seat.
“That’s why I’m running for United States Senate,” she said in her announcement. “Pennsylvanians deserve to have a voice — one that will cut through all the noise and get things done. I’m determined to be that voice for you.”
Noting her progress with the county’s AAA Bond Rating, “some of the lowest taxes in the region,” and “one of the strongest economies in Pennsylvania,” Arkoosh stated that her experience in the state’s third largest county will assist her in the position.
She stated in her announcement that, given the pandemic, the entire nation is at a critical point to move forward.
“We’ll build a future that lifts people up,” Arkoosh said.
Arkoosh also addressed climate concerns, lowering the cost of healthcare, and giving Pennsylvanians a strong voice as platforms in her video.
While she may be the first woman, she won’t be the first commissioner to use the seat as a stepping-stone to furthering her career. The Montgomery County Comissioner’s seat has previously been a springboard for names like Josh Shapiro, current Pennsylvania Attorney General, and former AG Bruce Castor.
Arkoosh will face current Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman (Allegheny County), former Norristown City Councilor John McGuigan (Montgomery), as well as State Representative Malcom Kenyatta (Philadelphia) in the 2022 Democratic primary race for a senate seat. All three are currently seeking the Democratic nomination.
State Senator Sharif Street, also a Philadelphia Democrat, said he was “exploring a 2022 bid” in previous statements to the press, but has not formally announced entrance into the race.
Republican hopefuls who have thrown their hat into the 2022 senate race include Jeff Bartos, who is a real estate developer from Lower Merion, Montgomery County, as well as Sean Gale, an attorney and brother of outspoken Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale, and former whistleblower and banker Everett Stern.
Depending on the many possible outcomes, two Montgomery County residents could face off for the much-desired senate seat. Both parties seek control of the position, which could sway the congressional balance. The race will be closely watched on a national level.
The senator named in 2022 will join Bob Casey (D) to represent Pennsylvania in Congress.
See also:
Racism Dispute Resurfaces During Thursday’s Montgomery County Commissioners Meeting
County Commissioners Spar Over Wearing Masks, Social Distancing
Gale: Totalitarian Lockdown ‘Cure’ Is Worse Than Illness, ‘Common Sense’ Is Key To Fighting COVID-19
Coronavirus: Where We Stand, Where We’re Heading And What The ‘New Normal’ Will Look Like
Arkoosh To Join Montgomery Township Officials For Town Hall Livestream On Wednesday
