Democrat Janelle Stelson defeats incumbent Scott Perry in PA rematch

Janelle Stelson Defeats Rep. Scott Perry in Pennsylvania’s 10th District Rematch

Democrat Janelle Stelson defeated seven-term incumbent Republican Rep. Scott Perry in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District, flipping a seat that shapes the partisan balance of the U.S. House of Representatives. Pennsylvania’s U.S. House delegation shifted from a 10-7 Republican advantage to an 11-6 Democratic majority. Stelson’s victory marks a reversal from 2024, when Perry defeated her by roughly 5,100 votes, or just over 1% of the vote.

Our campaign has never been about a single party, Stelson told supporters in Hummelstown after her race was called. It’s been about listening, it’s been about decency, it’s been about common sense.

Campaign Dynamics and Outside Spending in Pennsylvania’s 10th District

The race drew heavy national attention and ranked among the most expensive congressional contests in the commonwealth. Campaigns and outside groups poured millions into the district, which covers all of Dauphin County and parts of Cumberland and York Counties, including Harrisburg and York. By Oct. 24, campaign finance tracker OpenSecrets recorded more than $12.2 million spent supporting Perry or opposing Stelson, alongside over $9.6 million spent supporting Stelson or opposing Perry. High-profile figures stepped into the district to rally voters, with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro campaigning for Stelson and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson appearing alongside Perry.

The final weeks of the race featured sharp attacks. Perry’s campaign ran ads accusing Stelson of public nudity, a claim sourced to a neighbor without documentary proof. Local television stations subsequently pulled the broadcast ads after reviewing the unproven claims. Perry also attempted to link Stelson to Chimaobim Ibojekwe, an undocumented immigrant arrested and charged with indecent exposure and disorderly conduct whom the Department of Homeland Security said was working as a canvasser when arrested. Federal campaign finance records show Ibojekwe was never paid by Stelson’s campaign, and her staff stated his name never appeared in their volunteer database. The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington accused the Department of Homeland Security of violating the Hatch Act by publicizing the arrest and tying it to a political campaign.

Stelson Prioritizes Ending Military Conflict in Iran

Stelson ran as a moderate Democrat, emphasizing economic relief, healthcare costs, and foreign policy. She campaigned on lowering the cost of living, repealing tariffs enacted during the Trump administration, ending the war in Iran, and protecting abortion access. During her victory speech, she stated that her immediate priority in Washington will be pushing to end the military conflict in Iran. We need to bring our military women and men home, she said.

She also proposed ethics reforms, including congressional and Supreme Court term limits, a ban on congressional stock trading, and closing the revolving door that sends government officials into lobbying roles. Stelson promised to limit her own tenure to 12 years regardless of whether term-limit legislation passes. Addressing voters who opposed her, Stelson emphasized representation. The job title is U.S. Representative, she said. Not everyone’s gonna think what I think. You probably have a lot better ideas, and it’s really important I listen and carry those voices to the halls of Washington.

Transition to Congress

Stelson is scheduled to take the oath of office on Jan. 3, 2027, joining a newly shifted Democratic majority in Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation. Her predecessor, Perry, served as the former chair of the House Freedom Caucus and remains a close ally of Donald Trump. Perry backed the Trump administration’s policies on Iran and Medicaid cuts, and voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results after rioters breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 10th District Election

Who funded the outside advertising in the 10th District race?

Nonpartisan tracker OpenSecrets reported that outside groups and campaigns spent over $21 million combined by Oct. 24, with more than $12.2 million deployed to support Perry or oppose Stelson, and over $9.6 million spent supporting Stelson or opposing Perry.

What geographic areas make up Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District?

The district encompasses all of Dauphin County and parts of Cumberland and York Counties, including the state capital of Harrisburg and the city of York.

When does Janelle Stelson take office?

Stelson is scheduled to be sworn in as a U.S. Representative on Jan. 3, 2027.

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