It’s a good day Paige Cognetti.
The mayor of Scranton and the likely Democratic nominee for the 8th Congressional District just received an endorsement for the position from the commonwealth’s highest elected official.
Governor Josh Shapiro in his statement he praised Cognetti as an independent reformer.
“Mayor Paige Cognetti fought for Scranton – fighting corruption, making government faster and more efficient, and bringing people together to get things done for hardworking families,” Shapiro said. “Paige has restored confidence in City Hall by working hard on behalf of the communities she serves – and I know she will bring that approach to public service to Congress. I know Paige will continue to be my partner in getting things done for the people of Pennsylvania – and I am proud to support her in this campaign to win and go to Congress to protect our freedoms and advocate for NEPA families.”
Cognetti wants to dethrone the freshman Representative Rob Bresnahan in northeastern Pennsylvania, just two years after the CEO of Kuharchik Construction ousted the longtime congressman Matt Cartwright.
“I am incredibly proud to have the support of Governor Josh Shapiro, who has shown that government can actually get things done when our leaders prioritize the people they serve over their own self-interest,” Cognetti said. “In Congress, I will address the corruption in Washington that has created a cost of living crisis that has put the American Dream out of reach for so many in our community. I look forward to working with Governor Shapiro to lower costs for families in Northeast Pennsylvania and give them a government that works as hard as they do.”
Cognetti hopes to capitalize on his popularity and the unease voters may feel about Bresnahan’s stock trading as well as Shapiro’s departure to Washington.
In return, Shapiro hopes his support will support congressional candidates Bob Brooks (PA-07), Janelle Stelson (PA-10), and Cognetti could aid win these three contests and return control of the U.S. House of Representatives to Democrats. A victory in the governor’s race, as well as a change in the majority, would certainly strengthen Shapiro’s position as he faces a likely 2028 presidential run.
Shapiro won PA-08 by over nine points in 2022 – seven points more than Cartwright won in his victory over Jim Bognett.
The governor’s support joins that of Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis, Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-17), as well as Cartwright. Since launch, her campaign has raised nearly $1.15 million.
