Blair dermatologist announces bid for 13th District
McKEE — A lifelong Blair County resident and longtime dermatologist officially threw his hat into the ring Monday night for the Republican nomination for Congress in the new 13th District.
“After thoughtful prayer and consideration, and with the support of my wife and family, I am committed to listen to my community and continue to serve them as a strong conservative voice in the United States Congress. I am officially announcing my candidacy for the United States Congress,” Dr. John Joyce told family, friends and supporters at Best Way Pizza in McKee.
Joyce, who operates Altoona Dermatology Associates with his wife, Alice, said he made a final decision to run about a week ago and gathered more than 2,200 signatures of support in just a week.
“The support has been incredible. I care so much about our community. We know how to make the right decisions for our community and families. I want to become your voice in Washington. It is time for the career politicians to step aside,” Joyce said.
Joyce is making his first run for public office.
“The citizens of this country are looking for someone who is not a career politician, someone who has never run before. I feel I can have an impact in Washington, D.C.,” Joyce said. “Political insiders say how hard it is to beat career politicians. I am running to be your voice. It is time we elect someone who cares more about the people than the politics.”
If elected, Joyce said he would fight for medicare and social security. He is pro-life and pro-Second Amendment.
He has the full support of his wife.
“I have faith he is going to bring to the constituents what they have been wanting for a long time. He has always been passionate about serving the community, taking care of his patients, and now he wants to take care of the people from Washington,” Alice Joyce said.
John Joyce expects to win.
“My family and I are in this to win it. With groundswell of the support we’ve received from the community, I am confident that we will be victorious in May,” he said.
Other Republicans campaigning for the 13th District seat (formerly the 9th District) are state Sen. John H. Eichelberger Jr., state Rep. Steve Bloom, businessman Art Halvorson, engineer Travis Schooley and retired Army Col. Douglas Mastriano.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.