Pennsylvania judge removes Green Party candidate from ballot

A Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court judge has ordered the removal of Green Party candidate Andrew Tupone from the ballot for the state’s 7th Congressional District. The ruling follows a lawsuit by the Green Party of Pennsylvania, which alleged that Tupone was a “spoiler candidate to distract progressive voters.”

The court found that Tupone, who sought to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie and Democratic nominee Bob Brooks, had a history of being registered as a Republican and voting in GOP primaries before recently switching his registration to the Green Party. Judge Stella M. Tsai granted the party's objection, siding with arguments that Tupone misled voters regarding his party support.

Tupone has vowed to appeal the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, stating that establishment parties are attempting to prevent him from providing voters with a progressive choice. He maintains that his political positions, including support for universal healthcare, have remained consistent despite his registration changes.