HARRISBURG, Pa. — Democrat Janelle Stelson, who narrowly lost to Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry by less than a percentage point in the 2024 election, announced her intention to challenge him once again in the right-leaning congressional district of Pennsylvania. Stelson, a former local TV anchor, sought to appeal to moderate Republicans during her previous campaign by highlighting Perry's hardline positions and labeling him as an extremist, particularly concerning issues like abortion rights.
In a recent interview, Stelson claimed that "the story about Scott Perry just keeps getting worse." She criticized Perry for being the “deciding vote” in a contentious House vote that passed a Republican-backed tax break and spending cut package by a narrow 218-214 margin. According to Stelson, this legislation would have severe consequences for thousands of constituents by potentially stripping away Medicaid benefits, jeopardizing rural hospital operations, and placing additional strain on healthcare facilities such as nursing homes.
Stelson elaborated on her concerns, stating, "This has disastrous, possibly deadly consequences, and Scott Perry did that." In response, Perry has been promoting the bill's goals, which include reducing calls on spending for clean energy and slashing Medicaid, while also limiting subsidies to states providing Medicaid to undocumented immigrants. Perry defended his stance by stating that the legislation would "end damaging 'Green New Scam' subsidies" and ensure that Medicaid benefits are reserved for "vulnerable Americans and not illegal aliens."
Stelson's opponent, Scott Perry, is already portraying his campaign as strong, claiming it is his most successful fundraising effort since joining Congress. His team suggests that the issues that drove both President Donald Trump and Perry to victory in 2024 will remain significant as they approach the next election in 2026. With Republicans currently controlling Washington, the Democratic Party is focused on recruiting robust challengers to regain a House majority, needing to flip just three seats to do so.
In the 2024 election, Stelson faced significant challenges despite outspending Perry in a race that involved over $24 million, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Although it was not the most expensive House race, the narrow margin of victory for Perry—just over 1%—made it one of the closest elections. Despite this loss, Democrats found some hope in the fact that Perry received 4 points less than Trump in a district that is becoming increasingly moderate, particularly in areas around the rapidly growing suburbs of Harrisburg.
Adding to the momentum for the Democrats, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro won the district in the 2022 gubernatorial race by a significant margin against his Republican opponent. Shapiro will be leading Pennsylvania's ticket once again in 2026 and has pledged his support for Stelson by headlining a fundraiser for her soon. His backing could play a crucial role in deterring any potential primary challengers against her.
