Pennsylvania State Rep. Kevin Boyle loses primary amid controversy

(WHTM) – Pennsylvania State Representative Kevin Boyle (D-Philadelphia) has lost his primary to Sean Dougherty, the son of a State Supreme Court justice, according to the Associated Press.

Dougherty is projected to face Republican Aizaz Gill, who once served as Community Outreach Coordinator for then-City Commissioner Al Schmidt, in the November election.

The loss for Boyle comes a day after the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office withdrew an arrest warrant after once alleging Boyle violated a protection from abuse order.

The District Attorney’s office said Monday they had “newly confirmed information” and there was no probable cause against Boyle.

The incident was part of a whirlwind of issues that Boyle faced in recent weeks.

Video circulating on social media in February appeared to show State Representative Boyle intoxicated at a bar threatening to use his position to close the establishment.

The more than three minute video, which has been viewed tens of thousands of times on X, shows Boyle repeatedly refusing to leave the bar.

“I can f—— end this bar by the way,” Boyle said, later adding “this bar is done! Do you know who the f— I am? This bar is done tomorrow!”

Boyle, 44, also repeatedly called patrons and staff “actors” and members of the military, threatening to “prevent (their) promotion” in the video.

State lawmakers have said they hope their House colleague finds the help he needs.

House Majority Leader Matt Bradford says Boyle, who has had mental health challenges for years, is a friend but he’s concerned for his wellbeing.

Bradford recently introduced a resolution to create a committee that would decide whether to expel a member.

Boyle voted by proxy on the House Floor last week and had his security access at the State Capitol revoked.

Boyle. whose term runs through the end of the year, has served in the State House since 2011. He won re-election for his 172nd House District seat in 2022 with 57% of the vote.

The 172nd District covers part of Philadelphia’s Fox Chase neighborhood near Cheltenham.

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