Bob Harvie Sues Defending America PAC Over Defamation Claims

Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District, filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Defending America PAC Inc. and political consultant Chris Pack. The complaint alleges defamation and false‑light invasion of privacy, seeking more than $150,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.

Harvie says the out‑of‑state PAC repeatedly published false statements labeling him an “FBI corruption subject” and claiming he was under FBI investigation. The suit also challenges accusations that he had an extramarital relationship with a Bucks County employee while in office. Harvie testified before a federal grand jury in 2021 as a witness, not a target, and maintains he has never been charged with a crime. After his attorneys sent a cease‑and‑desist letter in early July, the defendants allegedly continued the campaign, prompting the lawsuit.