New map complicates race for Shuster’s seat

Some candidates now living outside district lines; others could be roped into race

A new congressional map published Monday by the state Supreme Court throws the fight for U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster's seat into disarray, with several candidates now set to live outside the district while other contenders could be roped in.

The map -- which was ruled unconstitutional because of gerrymandering that gave the state a solid Republican edge despite a split population -- reshapes Blair County's district and gives it a new number. Republicans have vowed to challenge the map in federal court, raising uncertainty as the May primaries approach.

Most of those seeking to replace Shuster live in the new 13th District, which runs from the eastern half of Westmoreland County to the farmland around Gettysburg in Adams County. The district remains overwhelmingly Republican -- possibly more than before, with Democratic-leaning towns in Fayette County torn away.

Of seven Republicans and two Democrats listed on a federal database as candidates to replace Shuster, at least three are now outside the 13th District. While representatives are not legally bound to live in the districts they represent, few run or win from other regions.

Both Democratic hopefuls in the 9th -- Fayette County psychologist Adam Sedlock and Indiana County human services administrator Susan Boser -- now live outside the district.

In a Facebook post to a supporter, Sedlock said: "Although a candidate does not need to live in the district they serve, it makes sense that they should. At this time the (new 13th District) is without a Democrat candidate. ... I and my team will assist anyone who intends on running."

Boser did not return an email seeking comment.

One of the most prominent Republicans seeking Shuster's seat lives outside the district, as well. The home of state House Majority Leader Rep. Dave Reed, R-Indiana, is now in the 15th District, which stretches from Cambria County to the New York state line.

Reed now lives in the same district as a Republican congressional incumbent, U.S. Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson. While he could run to unseat Thompson, it would likely be a far more difficult battle than one in an open field to replace a retiring congressman.

On Tuesday, Reed suggested to The Associated Press that he could remain in his state House seat or run in the new district.

"Many have asked … if I would be willing to (consider) running for my current state House seat … or if I will run in what is the new 15th," he told AP. "All legitimate questions, none of which I have an answer to at the moment."

Most of the GOP candidates planning bids to replace Shuster remain in the new 13th District. State Sen. John H. Eichelberger Jr., R-Blair, lives there, with his Blair Township home and all of Blair County incorporated into the 13th.

Art Halvorson, the Manns Choice-based Coast Guard veteran and developer who repeatedly challenged Shuster, lives in the district. In a written statement, Halvorson said the new map doesn't affect his plans.

"While I've always believed that congressional boundary lines should be drawn by an independent citizens commission, rather than partisan politicians, the new map changes nothing for my campaign for Congress," Halvorson said. "I remain full steam ahead because we must replace career politicians with proven outsiders who will advance the conservative Republican agenda."

Benjamin Dayton Hornberger, a veteran and avowed Trump supporter living in Shippensburg, remains in the district, as well. Hornberger -- who is running despite being below the age limit to take a House seat -- has sparred online in recent days with Halvorson supporters, suggesting he intends to continue his bid.

Max Merrill, a Somerset County farmer seeking the GOP nomination, lives in the 13th, as does retired Army officer and military historian Douglas Mastriano.

Travis Schooley, a Franklin County business owner and official who challenged Shuster in the past, also remains in the 13th District.

Before the latest map, Schooley said the ruling had "terrible timing" but did not indicate he would change his plans.

It is not immediately clear whether the new map -- assuming it remains in effect -- could draw in new candidates.

A review of the federal candidate database does not reveal any candidates from neighboring districts who would be moved into the 13th.

Questions remain on whether the map will even be used by the primaries. Republicans have said they plan to challenge it swiftly, with state Republican Chairman Val DiGiorgio dismissing the map as a Democratic power grab and a case of "judicial gerrymandering."

He got support from the highest level of government Tuesday, when President Donald Trump attacked the new map on Twitter.

"Hope Republicans in the Great State of Pennsylvania challenge the new 'pushed' Congressional Map, all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary," Trump wrote. "Your Original was correct!