Since 1995, Mike Doyle (D) has represented the 18th congressional district in the US congress. He is retiring from office this year, and Summer Lee (D) will be on the ballot Nov. 8 as his replacement in the new 12th congressional district (district lines were redrawn).
Voters are confused, however, because the name “Mike Doyle” is on the ballot. That’s because another Mike Doyle, a Republican, is running against Lee. Lee’s campaign is sounding the alarm about the issue, as they have encountered many voters who think that the Mike Doyle on the ballot is the same one they’ve voted for for decades.
Doyle (D) recently held a press conference to address the issue. “My name is on the ballot,” he said. “But it’s not me. There is a gentleman with the same name as me who is running in the new 12th District, which is part of the old 18th District. That’s about the only thing we share in common is the same name.”
Whether the move by Republicans is intentionally confusing we can only infer. Regardless of intention, it’s very important voters are aware that the Mike Doyle on the ballot is a Republican.
Summer Lee is the Democratic candidate for the 12th Congressional District and has been endorsed by the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. Please help spread the word to ensure that Summer Lee is elected to congress on Nov. 8!