Republican Congressman Scott Perry is finding himself in a tight spot regarding his long-held seat in Pennsylvania’s U.S. House, as several former GOP colleagues rally behind his Democratic opponent, Janelle Stelson.
Perry, the former chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, has represented Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District since 2019. This election cycle, he faces a challenging race against Stelson, a former news anchor. Her campaign is part of a broader Democratic strategy to flip crucial seats and regain control of the House come January.
Recent polling has highlighted the contest’s competitiveness. A Susquehanna survey from October 9 found Stelson ahead by 9 points. Additionally, the Cook Political Report has shifted Perry’s race from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up,” indicating a more balanced contest.
This week, a group of former Republican U.S. Representatives, including Barbara Comstock and Adam Kinzinger, issued a letter endorsing Stelson and criticizing Perry’s voting record. They singled out his opposition to “common sense measures,” labeling him as the only Pennsylvania GOP member resistant to progress.
Perry’s involvement with former President Donald Trump’s allegations of election fraud further complicates his campaign. Ex-colleagues accused him of attempting to overturn President Biden’s victory, even leading to an FBI phone seizure in 2022.
The letter from Perry’s former colleagues stated, “Scott Perry’s lack of remorse for his actions is a slap in the face to every public servant.” They advocated for leaders who prioritize truth and bipartisanship, endorsing Stelson as that leader.
In response, Perry dismissed the endorsements as expected and “pathetic,” insisting that his constituents do not recognize his former colleagues. He asserted that their support holds little weight in the election.
Meanwhile, Stelson has embraced the endorsements, including support from former Pennsylvania Congressman Jim Greenwood, asserting a growing coalition of Republicans ready to oppose Perry at the polls.
Polling shows Stelson with a potential edge; however, results remain mixed. Besides the leading Susquehanna poll, earlier surveys showed a very close contest, with Perry leading by narrow margins in previous GOP-sponsored polls.
Political analysts suggest that Stelson’s financial backing might tip the balance in her favor. She has invested significant funds—$3.8 million—into her campaign ads, while Perry’s spending lags behind at nearly $1 million. This disparity has shifted perceptions about the race’s dynamics, placing it firmly in competitive territory.