Pennsylvania Primaries Set Stage for Key U.S. House Battles
"The math is simple: Democrats can win back the House by flipping four seats in Pennsylvania." — Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Eli Cousin
Pennsylvania's primary elections on Tuesday solidified the candidates for four U.S. House races that both national parties view as pivotal to control of the chamber. The districts are Pennsylvania's 1st, 7th, 8th, and 10th Congressional Districts.
Key Races
- 1st District (Bucks County): Incumbent Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick faces Democratic challenger Bob Harvie, a Bucks County Commissioner.
- 7th District (Lehigh Valley): First-term Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie faces Democratic challenger Bob Brooks, a state firefighters union head.
- 8th District (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre): First-term Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan faces Democratic challenger Paige Cognetti, the Mayor of Scranton.
- 10th District (South-central PA): Republican Rep. Scott Perry, former House Freedom Caucus chair, faces Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson, a former news anchor.
Stakes and Context
Democrats need to flip four seats to regain a House majority, and these four Pennsylvania races are among their top targets. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has endorsed the four Democratic candidates and pledged active involvement. Shapiro faces a re-election bid in 2026 but is expected to be heavily engaged in these races.
Former President Donald Trump, who carried Pennsylvania in 2016 and 2024, may also campaign for Republican incumbents, though his level of involvement is not yet specified. The national environment includes low approval ratings for Trump and voter dissatisfaction with the economy and the Iran war, which could benefit Democrats.
Candidate Positions
Democratic candidates emphasize bipartisanship and independence. Harvie cites his bipartisan voting record on the county board. Cognetti describes her mayoral tenure as nonpartisan. Stelson highlights her career in local news as a nonpartisan voice.
Republican incumbents also stress bipartisan work. Bresnahan emphasizes his membership in the Problem Solvers Caucus and his endorsement by the American Federation of Government Employees. Fitzpatrick has a history of winning in a district that voted for Kamala Harris in 2024.
Cognetti has criticized Bresnahan for stock trades made while in office, alleging he profited from trades in companies that manage Medicaid enrollees before voting on Medicaid cuts. Bresnahan stated that financial advisers manage his portfolio and he gave no instructions.
Statements
"President Trump and House Republicans have been successful in Pennsylvania by being laser-focused on lowering costs, improving community safety, and strengthening American manufacturing. Republicans are united and ready to win this November." — Republican strategist Reilly Richardson of the NRCC
"I don't think anyone's under any illusions that it's gonna be easy. Everyone's very clear about the fact that we're looking to defy history here." — A national Republican strategist working on the races
Outlook
Both parties expect substantial outside spending in these districts, with Shapiro as a potential fundraising draw for Democrats. Republicans hope that strong incumbents and Trump's base turnout can offset national headwinds. The outcome of these four races is seen as a bellwether for the broader House battleground.