For Immediate Release
9.20.2022
SENATE DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE MARK PINSLEY STANDS UP FOR VIOLENT RHETORIC
Harrisburg, PA – Disturbing information has surfaced in the race for the 16th State Senate district. It was recently learned that in 2020, Lehigh County Controller and PA 16th Senate District Democrat nominee Mark Pinsley openly defended a local elected official who posted violent rhetoric targeting political opponents.
In the social media post, South Whitehall Commissioner Matthew Mobilio wrote, “If you support him [Donald Trump] you are also a disgrace and should be hung for treason.”
Shortly after the social media post and outcry in the community, Pinsley, on a recorded Zoom meeting, began his remarks by telling Mobilio “I stand with you…”. Pinsley’s complete remarks lasted another 90 seconds, where he continued attacks on political opponents. At no point in these comments did Pinsley condemn Mobilio or his dangerous rhetoric.
The PA SRCC released the following statement in light of Pinsley’s remarks:
“The PA SRCC calls on Mark Pinsley to withdraw his candidacy for the 16th State Senate District immediately,” said PA SRCC Communications Director Michael Straw. “With these new revelations it’s clear that he wouldn’t be able to represent the people of the district in good faith. Openly standing in support of Mobilio and his remarks to hang people who don’t agree with him politically is beyond the pale. Disagreements on policy is common in our government, but condoning violence against political opponents is disgusting. Mark Pinsley is unfit for the office he seeks, and he should withdraw his candidacy.”
Straw added:
“We call on the PA SDCC (Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Campaign Committee) to condemn Mark Pinsley’s support of violence, and they should withdraw all support of his candidacy. Civil discourse is a pillar of our democracy. The PA SDCC must do the right thing and condemn Pinsley’s support of violent rhetoric.”
