YORK, Pa. — The contest for control of the House has heated up, particularly in the most contested districts where candidates are emphasizing their centrist views to attract a broad voter base. However, Representative Scott Perry of Pennsylvania stands out as a staunch conservative amid this trend.
Perry has been a significant figure in the right-leaning House Freedom Caucus, which played a pivotal role in gaining a Republican majority in 2022, often leading to gridlock as they pushed for their demands. His involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results also made headlines, culminating in the FBI seizing his phone as part of an investigation. Despite this tumultuous past, Perry remains firm in his approach as he faces Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson, a former television news anchor with a strong local presence in the district encompassing Harrisburg.
When asked about his approach to governance, Perry expressed, “Should I just go along with Washington, D.C., as most of my other colleagues did, just to moderate myself? No, I’m going to do the right thing every single time I have the opportunity.” This unwavering stance has contributed to a fiercely competitive race in Pennsylvania, where many Republicans, from Donald Trump to House Speaker Mike Johnson, are doubling down on their conservative commitments ahead of the critical election.
Perry’s district has leaned slightly Republican since its reconfiguration in 2018, with Trump winning it by a margin of 4 percentage points in 2020. Despite this, Perry is campaigning for a seventh term against a strong challenge from Stelson, who aims to appeal to hesitant Republicans. Focusing on issues such as potential federal restrictions on abortion, which Perry has previously supported, Stelson is intended to attract moderates and conservatives. “Abortion really crosses all party lines,” she articulated. “I’ve had elderly Republican women tell me, ‘No government and no Scott Perry is going to tell me what to do with my body.’”
Stelson’s background as a familiar news anchor adds to her appeal, with local voters feeling a connection to her from her time on air. According to Vickie Washington, a 71-year-old retiree, “Because she was on the news for so many years, she feels like she was a part of your household.” Financial support for Stelson has also surged, with her fundraising surpassing Perry’s by over $1 million, prompting intervention from higher-ranking Republicans to bolster Perry’s campaign.
Current expenditure tracking shows that Democrats have outpaced Republicans in campaign spending, with over $7 million spent compared to more than $4 million by Republicans. It is noted that Perry has relied more heavily on political action committees during his campaign. Meanwhile, external groups have also played significant roles in influencing the race, including the Congressional Leadership Fund, which is expected to contribute $2.3 million.
House Speaker Johnson has praised Perry, stating, “This is an individual who comes to work every day, rolls up his sleeves and gets the job done.” However, Perry’s appointment to the House Intelligence Committee has faced backlash from within his party due to his association with Trump and past controversies. Although he has not been charged with any crime, his connections raise eyebrows, especially after a court ordered him to release over 1,600 texts linked to attempts to maintain Trump in office. Recently, Perry asserted he would vote to verify election results, provided they seem trustworthy.
Perry’s involvement in litigation concerning overseas ballots, including those from military personnel, also adds complexity to his campaign narrative. He points out that he himself voted from abroad while serving in the National Guard. As the election draws nearer, Perry has started countering Stelson’s campaign by highlighting her current residency outside district lines, though she has indicated she would relocate if victorious.
As tensions rise, Stelson isn’t solely targeting Perry’s past actions related to the election attempts of four years ago. She emphasizes that his focus seems more attuned to party divisions and less on local issues relevant to Pennsylvania constituents. Supporters argue that this tactic wisely aligns with voters’ priorities, particularly rising living costs. “Whatever they feel about (Jan. 6th), they’re kind of tired of hearing about it,” remarked Craig Snyder of Republicans Against Perry, a group backed by moderate Democrat PACs.
During a campaign address at a winery surrounded by Trump-supporting signs, Stelson criticized Perry for voting against legislation beneficial to veterans and first responders, asserting, “At every turn, here’s a guy who voted against you rather than for you.” Meanwhile, Perry maintains his commitment to reducing government spending to fight inflation, stating, “I represent you. I’m looking at your cost of living. I’m paying the same thing.” This message resonates in a swiftly growing part of the state facing rising housing costs.
Local business owner Russaline Nolden, generally a Democrat supporter, echoed discontent with the current system, suggesting support for Trump and like-minded Republicans. “The system is unjust,” she lamented, advocating for more prudent government spending. “Put the money where it’s going to be appreciated.”