Two Newtown Parents Considering Run For Local Congressional Seat

Two Newtown parents, Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden, who lost first graders in the Sandy Hook tragedy, are considering running for a Congressional seat in November. Barden and Hockely's consideration for the run comes off the heels of the recent controversy surrounding Elizabeth Esty.

If you been following the news, you know that 5th district congresswoman Esty has been embroiled in a scandal regarding her former chief of staff who has been accused of abusing a co-worker. Meanwhile, Esty allegedly allowed him to take a job with Sandy Hook Promise Ohio, all the time not telling anyone about the abuse charges.

Since Esty recently said she would not seek re-election due to the recent scandal, it's been reported that Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley, who are both co-founders and managing directors of the non profit Sandy Hook Promise, were approached by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and asked to take a shot at the Fifth District seat.

Hockley told newstimes.com about her thought process regarding the open congressional seat.

We already live very public lives, but to be a public official is very different. Mark and I are still best friends, one of us would support the other. It feels good to know we are making a difference, but if I do make a transition at some point, I want it to be an area where I can make an impact, Politics is something I might want to do.

Here's what both Mark and Nicole had to say after a meeting with President Trump earlier this year:

Both Hockley and Barden have been approached, but only one would actually run for the seat. Do you think either one would make a good candidate?

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