Pro-life activist prosecuted by Biden administration announces run for Congress

Pro-life activist Mark Houck, who was prosecuted by the Biden administration's Justice Department over a 2021 skirmish with a Planned Parenthood volunteer outside of a Pennsylvania abortion clinic, announced his campaign for Congress earlier this week. 

“I have seen first-hand what an out of control government can do to its citizens," Houck states on his campaign website. "I will fight to protect all people and their rights under God & our Constitution. My platform is based on common sense."

Houck was acquitted by a federal jury after being charged with violating the FACE Act, which prohibits “violent, threatening, damaging, and obstructive conduct intended to injure, intimidate, or interfere with the right to seek, obtain, or provide reproductive health services.” He was facing a possible 11 years in prison. 

Houck had often spoken outside of abortion clinics, sometimes with his 12-year-old son present. He said he had shoved the Planned Parenthood volunteer for invading his son’s personal space.

It was nearly a year later that Houck was arrested by the FBI at his home, in front of his family. 

Houck will be challenging Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in the Republican primary for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.

“I am running for Congress to further protect my family, those in the 1st district & the Republic. I will focus on restoring traditional values & principles that are central to the American identity, such as faith, family, & freedom of speech, religion, & the right to bear arms,” Houck states.