Janelle Stelson, a former local news anchor for WGAL-TV 8, has secured the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Scott Perry in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. Stelson’s victory comes after a crowded Democratic primary race, in which she emerged as the frontrunner despite her Republican past and non-residency within the district.
Stelson’s campaign received endorsements from several influential organizations, including the center-left New Democrat Coalition, Emily’s List, and the United Mine Workers of America. Her primary challengers included Mike O’Brien, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel who received support from Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and former Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Pa.).
Rep. Perry, who is seeking his seventh term in Congress, has faced scrutiny during the Democratic primary for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. He was among the 147 Republicans who objected to the presidential election results and has been subpoenaed by the House select committee investigating the Capitol attack.
Despite Perry’s incumbency and conservative-leaning district, Stelson’s victory in the Democratic primary sets the stage for a competitive race in the upcoming general election. The Cook Political Report currently rates Perry’s seat as “lean Republican,” indicating a potentially close contest between the two candidates.
