Who's In the Race

House Speaker Mike Johnson rallied for Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. (R-PA) in Hazleton on Oct. 6. Democrat Paige Cognetti criticized Bresnahan, Johnson and the Republican agenda in a statement, according to The Times-Tribune. Bresnahan faces Cognetti, Scranton's mayor, and a third candidate in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District on Tuesday, Nov. 3. ​

Bresnahan, seeking a second term, previously led his family's electrical contracting company, Kuharchik Construction. Cognetti has served as mayor since 2020 and previously worked at the Treasury Department during the Obama administration and as an investment adviser. Both candidates were unopposed in their May 19 primaries.

What They Stand For

Bresnahan supports strengthening border security, completing the border wall, and lowering taxes, according to his campaign website. He opposes raising the Social Security retirement age or cutting Social Security and Medicare benefits. He also supports technical training and apprenticeships, according to Spotlight PA. On data centers, Bresnahan favors local control, arguing communities should decide where facilities are built.

Cognetti supports banning congressional stock trading and corporate PAC contributions, arguing elected officials should prioritize constituents over corporate interests. She supports restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits, limiting insurers' ability to deny prescribed treatment and protecting collective bargaining rights. She opposes broad tariffs on U.S. allies that raise consumer costs but supports targeted tariffs that protect domestic manufacturers and farmers, according to Spotlight PA.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Bresnahan reported $5.23 million in receipts and $2.61 million in cash on hand through June 30, with $777,069 in debt. Cognetti reported $4.61 million in receipts, $3.41 million in cash, and no debt. Outside groups reportedly spent $751,000 as of Oct. 8, including $622,000 opposing Bresnahan and $129,000 supporting Cognetti. AB PAC reportedly spent $368,000 opposing Bresnahan.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report, Sabato's Crystal Ball and Inside Elections rated the race a Toss-up as of Sept. 25, Sept. 29 and Oct. 2, respectively. On Kalshi, traders gave Democrats a 70.3% chance of winning as of Oct. 8, compared with 29.7% for Republicans.

Democrat Matt Cartwright won 51.2% in 2022. Bresnahan won approximately 51% in 2024. Republicans held 10 of Pennsylvania's 17 House seats after 2024, compared with eight after 2022. Trump carried Pennsylvania with approximately 50% in 2024.

Voter registration closes Oct. 19, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State. Mail-ballot applications must arrive by Oct. 27 at 5 p.m., according to state guidance. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 3, according to the commonwealth.

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