As released by Sims for Congress:

PHILADELPHIA – On Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District. Sims, an attorney and civil rights advocate in Center City Philadelphia, has spent his career as a relentless advocate for social, racial, and economic justice. Sims is the first openly gay person elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

“I’ve spent my life taking on big challenges in order to do what’s right,” said Sims. “Whether tackling gender and pay equity as a civil rights attorney, or standing up for justice reform in Harrisburg, I’ve never backed down from the big fights. And I never will.”

“Brian is a ferocious advocate for the people of this community,” said local activist Andrea Sanders. “When it comes to fighting for the people he represents, there is no one more dedicated or tenacious than Brian. He’ll make a great Congressman.”

Congressman Chaka Fattah currently represents the 2nd District.

“We need a progressive Congressman who will stand up for opportunity and justice for everyone, not just those at the top,” said Sims. “In Congress, I’ll fight to invest in our kids and our classrooms, create real economic fairness and opportunity, and stand up to the NRA to get the guns off our streets.”

Brian Sims is the son of two retired Army Lieutenant Colonels. Prior to law school he was a standout Division II college football player at Bloomsburg University. After graduation Sims became a distinguished civil rights advocate and attorney at the Philadelphia Bar Association, taking on issues ranging from gender and pay inequity to environmental protection.

Elected in 2012 to the State Legislature, Sims spent his time in Harrisburg working to strengthen and protect public education, preserve critical services for seniors, expand civil rights for all Pennsylvanians, protect funding for Planned Parenthood, and create good local jobs by investing in alternative energy. He’s won numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including being named a “Champion of Choice” by NARAL Pro-Choice America.

Photo/Natalie Cake file 2013