Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone

A potential battle between Chester County Commissioners for the Sixth District Congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach won’t happen, a news release from Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said.

“After several weeks of careful consideration, long conversations with my husband and son, and many discussions with friends and supporters, I have decided not to run for Congress this year,” said Cozzone.

Cozzone said the excitement of serving as the “community’s representative in Congress” was offset by family issues. “…This is just not the right time for me to make a change that would have such a large impact on my family,” she said.  “Spending time with my son, who is just 11, is too important to me during this time of his life.”

If she had run, Cozzone, a Democrat and vice-chair of the county commissioners, could have ended up in a race against Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello, a West Chester Republican who announced his candidacy a week ago.

“I have been overwhelmed by all the calls of encouragement I’ve received over the past few weeks – I am lucky to have the support of so many great friends,” said Cozzone.  “Their support means so much to me and is very important in my role as county commissioner; and in whatever comes next.”

Besides Costello, a West Chester Republican, the only other declared candidate so far is Michael Parrish, a Malvern Democrat. Chester County GOP Chair Val DiGiorgio said he considered entering the race but decided against it.

“It is sure to be a spirited campaign this fall and I look forward to working with our nominee to help secure a Democratic victory,” said Cozzone, a Uwchlan Township resident who was elected county commissioner in 2007 and re-elected in 2011.

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