WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s (D- PA) political influence for his Democratic endorsed US House candidates was on the line in the primary races. Republicans currently hold a slim majority in Washington, but Democrats believe they can flip a handful of congressional seats in Pennsylvania.
Our local incumbent congressional members were not challenged in the primaries. Their Democratic opponents also were unchallenged, so they’ll automatically be on the November ballot. Incumbent Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16), will face Democratic challenger Justin Wagner. Incumbent Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA- 15), will face Democratic challenger Ray Bilger. Incumbent Congressman Dan Meuser (PA- 9) will face Democratic challenger Rachel Wallace in November.
There are a few key congressional races in Pennsylvania that could tilt who controls the US House. Democrats believe they can flip some potentially vulnerable Republican House seats in districts near Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Scranton. They see incumbent Republican Congressmen Scott Perry (PA- 10), Ryan Mackenzie (PA- 7), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA- 1), and Rob Bresnahan (PA- 8) as vulnerable seats for November.
“I think this is going to be a really big year for Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Todd Belt, George Washington University professor and director of the political management program. “The House is very close. It just might hinge on what Pennsylvania does for those four House seats. It’s also really important what Governor Shapiro is doing in his support in certain candidates.”
Governor Shapiro’s political influence is on the line tonight after making endorsements in some crowded fields. In some of those key races, Shapiro’s picks have won the Democratic nomination. Democratic challenger Bob Harvie, a member of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners, will face Rep. Fitzpatrick. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti will face Rep. Bresnahan. Retired firefighter Bob Books will challenge Rep. Mackenzie. Former news anchor Janelle Stelson will challenge Rep. Perry.
