Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti Leads New Wave of Democratic Congressional Candidates in Pennsylvania for 2026 Midterms

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti has officially announced her bid for Congress in Pennsylvania, injecting significant energy into the Democratic Party’s strategic efforts to retake the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections. Her declaration this week underscores a growing roster of competitive Democratic candidates emerging in a state widely regarded as pivotal for the party’s path to a majority.

Cognetti, known for her independent stance and a strong record against corruption in Scranton, is set to challenge freshman Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan. Her district, despite its Democratic leanings, has recently shown support for former President Donald Trump, positioning it as a key battleground in the upcoming election cycle.

This high-profile announcement follows closely on the heels of another significant entry: Bob Brooks, the head of Pennsylvania’s state firefighters’ union, who last week declared his candidacy to unseat fellow freshman Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie. Brooks’ campaign, which has garnered support from Governor Josh Shapiro and key labor organizations, emphasizes his working-class background and aims to reconnect the Democratic Party with this crucial demographic.

With Democrats requiring just three seats to flip control of the U.S. House, Pennsylvania’s four targeted districts—including those currently held by Bresnahan and Mackenzie—are central to their national strategy. Party leaders, with active involvement from Governor Shapiro, are prioritizing robust candidate recruitment, recognizing that legislative redistricting is not a viable option. The absence of Donald Trump on the 2026 ballot is also viewed as a potential advantage for Democrats, who historically face challenges in midterm elections when their party holds the presidency.

The influx of strong candidates like Cognetti and Brooks signals a highly energized and strategic recruitment phase for Pennsylvania Democrats, fueling optimism for their prospects in the upcoming congressional elections.

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