Twelve candidates have filed to earn Pennsylvania primary election ballot spots in the race to succeed U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey.
Toomey announced in October 2020 that he would not be seeking a third term in office. That makes this open seat election from a swing state one of the most hotly-contested – and expensive – in the nation as both major parties battle for majority control of the Senate in the next Congress.
The candidates who met Tuesday’s filing deadline are:
Democrats
Kevin Baumlin, a retired emergency room physician and department chair from Philadelphia.
John Fetterman, the current Lt. Gov. and York County native who launched his public service career as mayor of Braddock, Pa.
Malcolm Kenyatta, a state Representative from Philadelphia and grandson of the late civil rights leader Muhammad Kenyatta.
Alex Khalil, a community organizer and Jenkintown, Montgomery County borough council member.
Conor Lamb, a member of the U.S. House from the 17th District in southwest Pennsylvania, which covers parts of Allegheny and Butler counties, and all of Beaver County.
Republicans
Kathy Barnette, an Army veteran, Mom and conservative activist who was the Republican nominee for a U.S. House in Delaware County in 2020.
Jeff Bartos, a real estate developer from Montgomery County who was the Republican lieutenant governor nominee in 2018, running with former state Sen. Scott Wagner.
George Bochetto, a Philadelphia attorney who has often advocated for conservative causes.
Sean Gale, Montgomery County attorney and brother of gubernatorial candidate Joe Gale.
David McCormick, former CEO of Bridgewater Capital and George W. Bush Administration Treasury official, son of first chancellor of Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Mehmet Oz, the New York-based cardiac surgeon who rocketed to fame as a daytime television host and recently relocated to Pennsylvania.
Carla Sands, Camp Hill native daughter who took over her late husband’s California-based business holdings and became the Trump Adminstration’s Ambassador to Denmark.
The primary election date is May 17.
Read More: Twelve candidates make primary ballot for Pennsylvania’s open seat U.S. Senate race