SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's always one of the most closely watched races in the nation for the seat in the 8th Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Republican Rob Bresnahan.
Wednesday, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti confirmed with 28/22 News that she is considering a run for that seat. The seat is seen as pivotal in next year's midterm election and could decide the balance of power in Congress.
Republicans now control both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, a Democrat, says she is considering challenging incumbent Republican Rob Bresnahan, who flipped the seat to the GOP last year.
Mayor Cognetti tells 28/22 News she has not yet made a final decision on running for Congress, but says she is seriously considering it.
"I'm running for mayor. I'll be on the ballot in November. Still, a lot of work left to do, but I'm also taking a hard look at the eighth congressional district," said Mayor Cognetti.
28/22 News caught up with Mayor Cognetti at an event in South Scranton on Wednesday morning.
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There has been much speculation in recent months that she might challenge Republican Rob Bresnahan.
On Wednesday, she confirmed that speculation with 28/22 News I-Team Reporter Andy Mehalshick.
"The reason I'm looking at this race is because people in Scranton believe the politicians are letting us down. They see the same trajectory here with Rob Bresnahan as congressman, letting people down, saying one thing and doing another when they get down to D.C. I'm definitely considering the race," Mayor Cognetti expressed.
Mayor Cognetti is aware that race could be crucial in determining which party controls Congress.
"Northeastern Pennsylvania is always a bellwether fight for the country, specifically for the city. The city is always political lore. We have a lot of folks here in Scranton that take it very, very seriously and take a hard look at their representatives," Mayor Cognetti stated.
We reached out to Congressman Rob Bresnahan for comment. He sent the following statement:
I am not going to comment on what someone may or may not do while they are currently running for mayor. What I will comment on is how we prevented the largest tax increase in American history and delivered real relief to the working families of northeastern Pennsylvania.
Congressman Rob Bresnahan
Again, Mayor Cognetti has not made a final decision on challenging Bresnahan.
