John Hugya

John Hugya (born c. 1934 [1]) is a former Marine and aide to Congressman John Murtha. Hugya ran for Congress in Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district in the 2014 elections. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

John A. Hugya
Bornc. 1934 (age 86–87)
Alma materUniversity of Pittsburgh 1962
OccupationChief of Staff to Congressman John P. Murtha PA-12
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Karen Hugya
ChildrenCaptain Kristin-USAF and 1st.Lt. Kristin USArmy

Personal life and education

Hugya is married to Karen Hugya, with whom he has one child, and another from a previous marriage.[2] Hugya attended college on the GI Bill.[3]

Career

Hugya met John Murtha in 1959 when Hugya was a platoon sergeant and Murtha was a unit commander. Hugya worked for Murtha's first campaign in 1967, and worked for him in every subsequent campaign.[3] Hugya would serve in the Marines until 1992, achieving the rank of colonel.[2]

In 2009, Hugya used campaign money to buy a rifle at an NRA meeting.[4] In that same year, Murtha's Republican challenger, Bill Russell, accused Hugya of threatening to have Russell recalled to active Army duty.[5]

Hugya worked in the Pennsylvania steel industry. Hugya was also a police officer for Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and served as the assistant director of the Johnstown Regional Police Academy. He currently runs a shooting range with his wife.[3]

2014 Congressional candidacy

Hugya ran for Congress in Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district in the 2014 elections. The seat is held by Republican Keith Rothfus. Hugya's candidacy was endorsed by former Senator Bob Kerrey (D-NE) and retired generals Wesley Clark and Hugh Shelton.[6] He lost in the Democratic primary, to psychologist and businesswoman Erin McClelland, by 68% to 32%.

References
  1. "Incumbents just keep on rolling in Western Pennsylvania". TribLive. 22 May 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  2. "JOHN HUGYA, AIDE TO CONGRESSMAN MURTHA, HONORED BY PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL GUARD". PA Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. 7 May 2001. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  3. Sternberger, Jake (8 September 2013). "Former Murtha chief of staff John Hugya announces run for 12th district". Keystone Politics. Archived from the original on 14 September 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  4. Crabtree, Susan (31 March 2008). "Rep. Murtha aide used campaign cash for rifle". The Hill. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  5. Bresnahan, John (13 May 2009). "John Murtha opponent says aide threatened him". Politico. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  6. Stein, Sam (13 September 2013). "Jack Murtha Aide John Hugya, Running For Boss' Old Seat, Gets Major Endorsements". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
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