Pennsylvania pro-life activist Mark Houck, who was recently acquitted after being raided by the FBI for alleged violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, has announced his candidacy for Congress.
Houck, who made the announcement in early August, was subjected to a raid by the FBI in September 2022, during which he was held at gunpoint in front of his children.
The raid was in relation to an incident in October 2021, when a Planned Parenthood escort reportedly verbally harassed Houck's then-12-year-old son while the father and son were praying 50 feet away from the clinic's entrance. Houck confronted the escort, Bruce Love, who continued to harass his son, resulting in Houck pushing Love away. Houck has since been acquitted of any wrongdoing.
In discussing his decision to run for office, Houck emphasized his personal experience of being targeted by the federal government. He stated, "I know firsthand what its like to be attacked by the federal government. I know firsthand how the enemy of the state can be created by virtue of your faith. And I want to protect the 1st District of Pennsylvania and all families in the 1st District from that ever happening to them."
Houck is challenging Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in Pennsylvania's First District. Fitzpatrick, a moderate Republican known for his bipartisan approach, will now face Houck, who is bringing the topic of abortion to the forefront of his campaign.
In an interview with LifeSite News, Houck expressed his belief that he has a duty to promote a campaign centered on "restoring faith, family, and freedom." He further stated, "The child doesnt deserve the death penalty, and the reality of it is, we are further victimizing the mother. And, so, once we start recognizing that, well realize that rape and incest is not a good excuse to terminate a human being."
Houck emphasized that he intends to run a campaign based on integrity and will not engage in mudslinging against Fitzpatrick. He aims to focus on his pro-life platform and his commitment to protecting citizens' rights and freedoms.
Fitzpatrick, who has faced primary challenges from candidates on the right in the past, does not have a record of staunchly supporting "hardcore pro-lifers," according to a Republican consultant.
Houck's campaign page outlines his platform positions, which include protecting citizens' rights and freedoms, bringing integrity to Washington, D.C., and preventing government interference with the constitutional rights of American citizens.
Other issues he aims to address include promoting school choice, tackling fatherlessness, and ensuring a well-funded military without political agendas.
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