In a crowded Democratic primary field, Stelson, a former Republican who now resides outside the district, emerged victorious. She garnered support from several notable entities, including the New Democrat Coalition, Emily’s List, and the United Mine Workers of America.
Stelson’s primary challengers included Mike O’Brien, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel who received endorsements from Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and former Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Pa.). Additionally, O’Brien received backing from organizations and unions, such as Teamsters Local 776 in Harrisburg, the largest in the state.
Stelson’s victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated general election contest against Perry, who is seeking a seventh term in Congress. Perry has faced scrutiny during the Democratic primary for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and his refusal to cooperate with the House select committee’s investigation into the Capitol attack.
In the 2020 presidential election, Perry’s seat narrowly went to Trump by 4 percentage points. The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Perry’s seat as “lean Republican,” indicating a potential challenge for Stelson in the general election.
