BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Republican congressional candidate Kevin Dellicker conceded defeat Wednesday to Ryan Mackenzie in the party’s primary election.
"I called Ryan Mackenzie this morning to congratulate him on winning the primary election and wish him success in November," Dellicker said Wednesday afternoon in a prepared statement. "Our mission now is to retain and grow our Republican majority in Congress, and that means defeating Susan Wild.
“I endorse Ryan’s candidacy and encourage my supporters to help him win too."
"Our mission now is to retain and grow our Republican majority in Congress, and that means defeating Susan Wild. I endorse Ryan’s candidacy and encourage my supporters to help him win too."
Kevin Dellicker, candidate for Congress
Mackenzie, a state representative who has served 12 years in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, won a three-way race for the Republican Party’s nomination.
According to results that will remain unofficial until certified, Mackenzie captured 43 percent of the vote to Dellicker’s 34 percent and Maria Montero’s 23 percent. Montero conceded defeat Tuesday night in Weissport, Carbon County.
Mackenzie's victory sets the stage for what is sure to be a hotly-contested, expensive race against U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley, in the Nov. 5 general election.
Wild is seeking a fourth term.
Dellicker, a business owner and intelligence officer in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, urged Mackenzie and Wild to conduct clean campaigns.
"I hope and expect the candidates will run a positive campaign that reflects the strong values of our community,” he said. “Our community deserves that.”