Chrissy Houlahan is running against incumbent Republican Ryan Costello in Pennsylvania’s 6th District. Chrissy is a military veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, educator and mom. Although Cook rates this race as Lean Republican, it is being said that Costello is in trouble and Chrissy has a real chance of winning this seat.
Background and Achievements
Houlahan is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. She became a career naval officer and was an Air Force Captain. Houlahan holds an engineering degree from Stanford and an M.S. in Technology and Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She worked as a chemistry teacher in North Philadelphia and was a Teach for America Corps member. Houlahan also served as President for a Philadelphia nonprofit geared toward improving childhood literacy in underserved communities.
Positions on Key Issues
- Supporter of women’s rights and health
- Quality, affordable healthcare for all Pennsylvanians
- Great schools for all children
- Growth in our economy
- Concern about money in politics
- Protect the environment and combat climate change
- Support of veterans and their families
Prospects & Opponents
Houlahan is challenging Ryan Costello. Republican members and operatives see this as a bellweather race that could signal a real chance for the Democrats to take over the House. Hillary won this District in the 2016 Presidential Election, but Costello won it by more than 14%. He voted against the House Republican health bill and spoke out against Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord.