The Trump -backed candidate has suspended the campaign in the Pennsylvania Senate

[ad_1]

Sean Parnell, the candidate backed by former President Donald Trump for the Senate race in Pennsylvania, announced Monday afternoon that he has suspended his campaign.

What You Need to Know Sean Parnell, the candidate backed by former President Donald Trump, has suspended his campaign for an open seat in the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. The news came just hours after Parnell was defeated in a court battle over the custody of his three children by his estranged wife following allegations of abuse; Parnell himself stood up two weeks ago to deny allegations that he hurt his wife and children. the events Other Republicans in the career include Carla Sands, Trump’s ambassador to Denmark, and real estate investor Jeff Bartos; It is also possible to consider joining the career is Mehmet Oz, the surgeon and television personality who rose to fame after a frequent appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”

The news was first reported by POLITICO. A spokesman for the former president said Parnell and Trump had spoken about the decision.

The news came just hours after Parnell was defeated in a court battle over the custody of his three children by his estranged wife following allegations of abuse. Parnell himself stood up two weeks ago to deny allegations that he hurt his wife and children.

The judge, James Arner, wrote in an order Monday that Parnells’ estranged wife, Laurie Snell, would have sole legal custody of school-age children, as well as primary physical precautions. Parnell will have physical custody three weekends per month, Arner wrote.

Snell is the more credible witness, Arner summarizes in his 16-page opinion, saying he remembers and describes the details in a convincing way.

Snell testified about enduring years of anger and abuse from Parnell, including once when he choked it so hard he had to bite it to get free and another time he slapped one of theirs hard. children to leave cracks in the back of the child’s shirt. .

Parnells ‘testimony, on the other hand, he found less convincing, saying Parnell was somewhat evasive and simply denied Snells’ allegations.

Considering the credible evidence, I find that Sean Parnell has committed several acts of abuse in the past against Snell, Arner wrote. He also believes Parnell slapped the child, as Snell testified, Arner wrote.

In a statement, Parnell said he “strongly” disagreed with the decision and was “disappointed by the decision,” but could not continue his campaign due to circumstances.

“Nothing is more important to me than my children, and while I plan to ask the court to reconsider, I cannot proceed with a campaign in the Senate,” he wrote. “My focus now is 100% on my kids, and I want them to know that I have no other priorities and I will never stop fighting for them.”

The seat in the Pennsylvania Senate, which was vacated by the retirement of incumbent Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., Is a major target for both parties. Former President Donald Trump shocked the world of politics by winning the often -trusted blue Keystone State in 2016, but President Joe Biden won the state from Trump in 2020.

Other Republicans in the race include Carla Sands, Trump’s ambassador to Denmark, and real estate investor Jeff Bartos.

Also possible to consider entering the career is Mehmet Oz, the surgeon and television personality who rose to fame after frequent appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania emerged as a formidable fundraiser and frontrunner, but Rep. Conor Lamb and the Rep. The state’s Malcolm Kenyatta has also conducted strong campaigns towards the primary next year.

Parnell, a decorated former Army Ranger who commanded a platoon in Afghanistan, wrote a diary of his service in Afghanistan, which became a New York Times bestseller. He has also written four action novels, and appeared as a regular guest on Fox News programs before running for Congress last year.

Trump’s endorsement came in early September, as Parnell was an in-demand guest on cable TV shows and conservative podcasts to discuss the Taliban seizing control of Afghanistan before the departure. of American forces.

Even amid headlines about the custody case, Trump emphasized their support for Parnell by scheduling a fundraiser with Donald Trump Jr. on Jan. 25 at the Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida.

This is an evolving story. Check back later for more updates.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[ad_2]