PA Congressman wants to flip the US House with 4 endorsements

Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio endorses midterm candidates in Pennsylvania’s four key US House races, which more important than ever with Republican gerrymandering.

All eyes are going to be focused on Pennsylvania next year as Republicans across the country gerrymander congressional maps with the hopes of rigging the midterm elections. 

That’s part of the reason why US House Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Allegheny) endorsed Democrats running in the commonwealth’s four hotly contested congressional seats.

“ These seats in Pennsylvania can make the difference for the majority, and because of the aggressive gerrymandering [by Republicans] across the country, the battleground is shifting,” Deluzio told The Keystone in an interview. 

The four Democrats that Deluzio endorsed are Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association President Bob Brooks, former WGAL anchor Janelle Stelson and Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti. 

Deluzio explained that he’s making these endorsements because the votes Republicans are taking in these districts are affecting his Western Pennsylvania constituents.  

“I know that we can win these districts with good candidates, and I’m going to do everything I can to do that because a Democratic majority will put real guardrails on the worst abuses of Donald Trump in his administration,” Deluzio said. “What these Republican congressmen are doing and voting to do really hurts my constituents and my people in Western Pennsylvania, and I’ve had about enough of it.”

Two of the candidates Deluzio endorsed, Brooks and Cognetti, received a lot of attention for leaning on their working class roots when launching their campaigns. It’s part of a trend that Democrats across the country are currently experimenting with, and Deluzio thinks this is more than just a fad. 

“ I think we got to have candidates who are taking the economic fight front and center and taking it to the Republicans who are failing – failing miserably at the basic job of controlling costs, which are out of control –- and both of them in their launches, you saw that economic fight right at the heart of the pitch they’re making to their voters,” Deluzio said.

Here is what the candidates had to say about their endorsements from Deluzio. 

Bob Brooks

Brooks is the president of the Pennsylvania Professional Association of Fire Fighters, which represents over 8,000 firefighters and first responders across Pennsylvania, and he is running in a crowded primary field to take on US Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh). 

“I’ve seen Chris Deluzio go the extra mile for his constituents time and again. He says what he means, he puts working people first, and he’s a hell of a public servant. I’m proud to have his support, and I’ll be honored to fight alongside him for the working people of Pennsylvania.”

Bob Harvie

Harvie, a former public school teacher, serves as a Bucks County Commissioner and is running against US Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks).

“I’m proud to announce that I’ve been endorsed by Congressman Chris Deluzio. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Congressman Deluzio served in the U.S. Navy before beginning his career as a voting rights lawyer. In Congress, he has fought for Pennsylvania’s workers, for increased rail safety, and for economic relief for working families. I’m honored to have his support, and I know that together we will fight for Pennsylvanians in Congress. It’s time to strengthen the middle class and restore the promise of the American Dream.”

Janelle Stelson

Stelson, a former news anchor at WGAL, is looking to defeat US Scott Perry (R-York) in a rematch next year after Perry narrowly defeated Stelson by 5,000 votes in the 2024 election. 

“I’m grateful for Congressman Deluzio’s endorsement as our coalition of support continues to grow— from Governor Shapiro to local leaders in Central Pennsylvania and the working men and women of our labor unions. Congressman Deluzio has been a leader in the fight against corruption. He has also been a strong advocate for veterans, championing legislation to strengthen the VA and expand suicide prevention programs. In Congress, fighting against corruption and ensuring our Veterans have the services they need will be some of my top priorities.”

Paige Cognetti

Cognetti, who’s known as “Paige Against the Machine” locally, is looking to defeat US Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Luzerne). 

“Honored to have Congressman Deluzio’s support. Chris knows Washington needs to do more – on costs, on standing up for working people, on fighting corruption. As a Pennsylvanian and parent with young kids, Chris and I spoke a lot about how we need fresh voices to change Washington and focus on the people.”