Bradley Merkl-Gump declares candidacy for PA State Senate

PERKASIE, PA — Bradley Merkl-Gump (D-Perkasie) has officially announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania Senate District 16. He will be challenging incumbent State Senator Jarrett Coleman. 

Merkl-Gump is a Pennridge School Board Director and a public school teacher. He is also a lifelong resident of the district; and he lives in Perkasie with his wife Ainsley and their two sons. 

Merkl-Gump grew up valuing service to his community. His father volunteered for environmental causes, and his mother advocated for people with disabilities. He learned early that looking out for your neighbors is a responsibility. This belief led him to a career in the classroom, where he has spent 15 years teaching American History and civics to Pennsylvanian students.

"This district has always been my home. It’s where I grew up, and it’s where my wife and I decided to raise our children. In recent years, however, I have watched my neighbors’ dreams fade. They are struggling to put food on their tables and make a better life for their children. Yet elsewhere, powerful people and corporations are lining their pockets. It’s just not right. People in my community feel like no one is looking out for them, and I want to be their voice in Harrisburg," said Merkl-Gump.

In 2023, Merkl-Gump ran for the Pennridge School Board to protect his community. Extremists had taken control of the district: banning books, targeting vulnerable children, and hiring a political consultant to rewrite curriculum. With help from his neighbors, Merkl-Gump built a broad coalition of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans who elected him to the board in a landslide. After taking office, he was appointed curriculum chair, and the district has seen a remarkable turnaround.

Merkl-Gump will focus on creating jobs, raising wages, supporting our public schools, protecting reproductive rights, guaranteeing healthcare to all Pennsylvanians, and defending our communities from federal overreach. In an often gridlocked State Senate, he believes this race could be decisive. If elected, he will work with Governor Shapiro and the leadership in Harrisburg to enact real change for Pennsylvanians.

"Families in our district need jobs that pay a living wage, and they need affordable housing. Our public schools need full support. Pennsylvania’s seniors deserve dignity and financial security. I'll bring a teacher's perspective, a neighbor's mindset, and a deep commitment to this community to the State Senate. Together, we can create a better future in District 16," said Merkl-Gump.

For more information or to get involved, contact BMGforPASenate@gmail.com.

###