Janelle Stelson prepares for pivotal rematch against Scott Perry in 2026

In Pennsylvania, Janelle Stelson, a Democrat and former local TV anchor, is gearing up for a rematch against Republican U.S. Representative Scott Perry after narrowly losing to him by less than one percentage point in the 2024 election. The 2024 race took place in a right-leaning congressional district where Perry, a prominent figure in the House Freedom Caucus, managed to secure his seat despite a significant financial backing for Stelson, with the race tallying over $24 million in expenditures. Stelson's campaign emphasized Perry's record on issues such as abortion rights and healthcare, branding him as an extremist while trying to sway moderate Republican voters. The race in 2024 was closely contested, with Democrats finding motivation in Perry’s underperformance relative to President Trump, which signaled a potential shift in voter sentiment as the district's demographics evolve towards a more moderate stance. Notably, Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro performed well in that district during the gubernatorial race in 2022, winning decisively against his Republican challenger. Shapiro's upcoming candidacy in 2026, alongside his support for Stelson, might bolster her chances as he is expected to headline a fundraising event for her campaign. Stelson believes that crucial issues from 2024 remain relevant and plans to address the impacts of policies enacted under Perry’s leadership, which she claims could jeopardize Medicaid benefits for thousands of constituents. In contrast, Perry’s campaign continues to highlight his achievements and secure financial support as his fundraising efforts are reported to be stronger than they have ever been. With Democrats aiming to regain control of the House, Stelson's potential victory over Perry in 2026 could be pivotal for the party's fortunes, as they need to flip only three seats to take the majority back. Given the current political landscape, where Washington is under Republican control, the stakes are high for both parties, and the upcoming election cycle will be crucial in determining the future of legislative priorities in the country, especially regarding health care and social issues that resonate with a significant segment of the electorate.