Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti to face Rep. Rob Bresnahan in Pennsylvania’s 8th District general election

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, a former independent who later joined the Democratic Party, will face freshman Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) in November’s race for Pennsylvania‘s 8th Congressional District.

Cognetti, whose campaign has focused heavily on anti-corruption measures and economic growth, cruised through Tuesday’s Democratic primary without opposition. Bresnahan also advanced uncontested on the Republican side, setting up a high-stakes general election that could determine control of the House.

The northeastern Pennsylvania showdown between Cognetti, who has led former President Joe Biden‘s hometown since 2020, and Bresnahan is expected to rank among the nation’s most competitive and costly House races.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE PENNSYLVANIA PRIMARY RACES

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti speaks during a campaign event for President Joe Biden in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on April 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Cognetti, Scranton’s first female mayor, has faced criticism over past remarks faulting Biden’s handling of the southern border, which she described as “really