The 197th District encompasses heavily Latino neighborhoods in Philadelphia where 85 percent of voters are Democrats and just 5 percent are Republicans. Covey’s decision creates a real possibility that Democrats could lose a seat they should otherwise win easily. Leslie Acosta, the previous occupant of the 197th District seat, was forced to step down after pleading guilty to felony embezzlement in 2016, hence the upcoming special election. Other Philadelphia Democrats, including a city councilman and the former district attorney, face federal probes. Green Party candidate Cheri Honkala isn’t on the ballot either, because her party didn’t file nomination papers on time.

Source: Huffington Post February 24, 2017 22:33 UTC