Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti has declared her candidacy for Congress in Pennsylvania, joining a growing list of competitive Democratic candidates for the 2026 midterm elections. This announcement positions her party favorably as it seeks to gain multiple seats in a state where the current congressional map does not necessitate redistricting.

The Democratic field now includes prominent figures such as Cognetti and state labor leader Bob Brooks, signaling a significant uptick in candidate recruitment as the country gears up for congressional elections. Democrats are focusing on gaining control of the U.S. House, with Pennsylvania expected to play a crucial role as the party aims to flip at least three seats to secure a majority.

Cognetti, who has garnered attention for her independent-minded approach as mayor, is seen as a formidable candidate to challenge freshman Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan. She has campaigned on a platform of fighting corruption and serving the interests of the people in Scranton, which is known for its heavily Democratic electorate but has shown a tendency to support Republican candidates in recent elections, including those of former President Donald Trump.

“People here are sick of self-serving politicians,” Cognetti stated. “I’ve shown in Scranton that we can build government for people and be honest with people.” Her campaign seeks to leverage her successful tenure as mayor, where she initially won her position by defeating the party’s nominee, showcasing her ability to appeal to voters across the political spectrum.

As the 2026 elections draw nearer, districts like Bresnahan's are becoming critical for Democrats who need to reclaim seats. The political landscape is favorable for Democrats this cycle, particularly since they only need a modest gain to recapture control of the House. Pennsylvania occupies a significant position in this strategy, holding four of the 35 seats Democrats are targeting nationwide.

Due to a politically divided Legislature, redistricting is off the table, which compels the Democratic Party to focus on candidate recruitment. Governor Josh Shapiro, who harbors ambitions for a presidential run in 2028, is also seen as a key player in strengthening the party's candidacy pool in the state.

The district Cognetti is contesting is traditionally a battleground during national elections, attracting attention from candidates across party lines due to its mixed electorate. Notably, it is the birthplace of President Joe Biden, further enhancing its significance in the political landscape.

Cognetti, 45, has previous experience in the U.S. Treasury Department and has served on the Scranton school board. Her noteworthy connections with key political figures, including Governor Shapiro, signify her rising prominence within the party. At various political events, she has had the privilege of interacting with senior Democratic leaders, reinforcing her status as a local and state leader.

However, Cognetti faces challenges ahead, particularly considering the district's recent support for Trump in the last three presidential elections. The former incumbent, Matt Cartwright, was a constant target for Republican criticism, which signifies the uphill battle she must undertake to secure the seat.

Brittany Crampsie, a Democratic campaign strategist in Pennsylvania, expressed optimism regarding the increasing recruitment of candidates. “Top down, going into next year, I have been blown away by recruitment. People want to run in seats where we had to do strong-arming to get candidates to say ‘yes’ last year,” Crampsie noted, highlighting the changing dynamics within the party.

Recently, Brooks announced his candidacy to challenge Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in the Allentown-area district. With strong support from labor unions and Shapiro, Brooks is also positioned as a significant contender, emphasizing the need for the Democratic Party to reconnect with working-class voters. His campaign is framed by his background as a career firefighter and community volunteer, elevating his appeal as a relatable candidate.