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Ex-‘Apprentice’ hopeful running for Congress

Bow tie-wearing Raj challenging Democrat Schwartz in suburban Philly
/ Source: The Associated Press

Raj Bhakta, the aspiring “Apprentice” turned aspiring politician, is running for Congress.

Bhakta, who was fired by Donald Trump during the second season of the NBC reality show “The Apprentice,” is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz for the state’s 13th District seat representing suburban Philadelphia.

Bhakta received the county GOP’s endorsement days before making his announcement Monday.

“We offer voters legitimate change,” Bhakta said. “I am not a politician. I am someone from a business background who wants to make a change.”

If elected in November, Bhakta said he would serve a maximum of three terms and called on Schwartz to agree to the same term limits.

Schwartz’s press secretary, Rachel Magnuson, sidestepped the term-limit challenge, calling the freshman congresswoman someone who has worked hard for the people of her district.

Bhakta, 30, is best remembered for his flashy bow ties, being turned away by tennis star Anna Kournikova for a coffee date, and flirting with Trump’s secretary after being booted from the show. He manages a real estate development firm in Fort Washington.

Schwartz raised $1.4 million in 2005 and has more than $1 million in the bank as she fights to retain the seat, according to her most recent campaign finance report.

For the same reporting period, Bhakta reported roughly $100,000 cash on hand. He said Monday that he has raised about $250,000.