A race for county commissioner currently underway in Bucks County could provide some insight into how the presidential election in 2024 will play out, writes Zach Montellaro for Politico.

Bucks County has proven to be one of the most important swing counties in one of the nation’s swing states.

In 2020, President Joe Biden won the county, as did Senator John Fetterman and Governor Josh Shapiro in 2022. However, the county is still represented by a Republican in Congress, Brian Fitzpatrick, and there was a 2021 takeover of the county’s largest school board by conservatives.

This year, the race for the county commissioner has the hallmarks of a race for national office. Candidates are currently sparring over book bans in school and crime and public safety, as well as the security of democracy in the next presidential election.

“As Pennsylvania goes, so goes the presidential race in 2024,” said state Senator Steve Santarsiero, the chair of the Bucks County Democratic Party. “And as Bucks County goes, Pennsylvania will go. Everyone should care deeply about this.”

A loss in this race for either party would be a significant warning sign ahead of 2024.

Read more about the race in Politico.

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