Senate District 16 is my home, Its where I grew up It’s where I decided to return to and become a Civics teacher - to serve my community and to unlock the potential in others to change the world…

Just over 2 years ago extremists took over Pennridge–my home, where I am raising a family. That's why when our community asked I ran for school board, because when someone comes for your home, you protect it 

With a lot of help, we did something incredible; in a district with 6,000 more Republicans than Democrats, we won BIG.  We chased out Moms for Liberty and reversed policies targeting our marginalized students. Two years later, I’m proud of our success. 

What we need to talk about is the state of Pennsylvania and America: We are living in a time where our communities no longer feel safe. I watch so many students coming to school scared about the America they are growing up in. I worry about if I need to send my children to school with their passports so they won’t be grabbed on their way home from the Bus Stop

While we face the fear that we are losing our rights, so many families like mine are struggling to make a living to afford our groceries, to buy a house. To pay for Child care, even to afford the insurance to keep everyone healthy. Some days I feel like we are one car repair away from financial ruin. 

This is not the America I want for my neighbors. It’s time for us to speak up and fight, because our home is worth fighting for. I believe in protecting the freedoms and liberties America was founded on. 

I believe in an economy where hardworking Pennsylvanians are able to provide for their families, in public schools that open the door to our children's American dream.  

Most importantly, I believe in the soul of my country - built by immigrants, hope, and the belief that a hard day’s work should keep a roof over our head and food on our table.

Pennsylvania can lead the way. This race will deliver the trifecta for PA: when we win we can work with Governor Shapiro to be a shield against Trump's attempt to strip away our rights.

Change is possible. This seat will give us the tie breaking vote in the PA Senate. 

I will be able to cast the vote that ensures fair wages, strong public schools, voting rights, reproductive freedom, and equal protection under the law for all Pennsylvanians.

We’re going to deliver this victory together. I am here to be a leader who listens and shows up for my neighbors across Bucks & Lehigh. To put in the hours needed to bring this victory for Pennsylvania. To motivate a coalition of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans who reject today’s leadership.

Because Donald Trump doesn’t reflect our community’s values and neither does Jarrett Coleman.

My name is Bradley Merkl-Gump. I’m ready to fight for my community, my state, and my country, and I ask for your support as the candidate to do it for Senate District 16.