Candidates participating in this year’s general election were invited to submit information to the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, which partnered with PennLive to create this voters’ guide.
The candidates below are in contested races to represent Pennsylvania in Congress and are in the order provided by the League of Women Voters. If a contest is not listed, there are no candidates running in that race.
District 1 - Democrat
Ashley Ehasz
Ashley Ehasz is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Bucks
Occupation: Public service sector consultant
Education: US Military Academy West Point (undergraduate), University of Oxford (graduate)
Qualifications: 13 year combat veteran, Apache helicopter pilot, platoon leader, battalion logistics officer, pilot-in-command, US Army Captain and commander, worked to implement the CARES Act for County government during COVID
Contact: ehaszforcongress.com | www.instagram.com/ashleyehasz | facebook.com/AshleyEhasz
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
In Congress, I will fight for greater economic opportunity for PA-01, including increasing access to affordable housing and ensuring that the infrastructure bill is implemented in a fair manner. Additionally, I will work to increase our nation’s climate resilience, ardently fight for reproductive rights, and make our systems fairer by pushing for a permanent child tax credit and allow Medicare to fully negotiate for lower-cost prescription drugs. As the next representative of PA-01, I will always put the interests of my constituents first, and work with anyone, regardless of Party, to move ahead reforms necessary to enable anyone, regardless of their background, to get ahead.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Our country has a real problem with the money that goes into our elections, especially outside money from Super PACs that attempt to buy elections and influence how Members of Congress vote. We first need to overturn Citizens United and quell the unlimited, untraceable spending on elections from special interest groups and millionaires. Having elections that can be bought and controlled by the extremely wealthy is a direct threat to our democracy. I oppose the presence of dark money in our local, state, and federal elections, and I do not take corporate PAC money - so that I am only accountable to the constituents of PA-01.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
Protecting the right to vote and access to free and fair elections is essential to the health of our democracy. I fully support greater protections for our election system, including the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. As someone who fought for the rights of others overseas, it is important to me to protect those same rights here at home. In Congress, I will work to ensure every voter has the ability to exercise their constitutionally-protected right to choose their elected officials.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
As a combat veteran with nearly 13 years of service in the U.S. Army, I support President Biden’s Diplomacy-First agenda. However, with the rise of global threats from actors such as Russia and China, in both ground and cyber warfare, I believe the United States must continue to build partnerships and alliances around the globe. They may be of a military nature, such as NATO, or through humanitarian aid and economic development programs. Democracy must be protected at home and abroad, and a robust, world-wide presence is the best manner in which to do this.
District 1 - Republican
Brian Fitzpatrick
Brian Fitzpatrick is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Bucks
Occupation: U.S. Congressman
Education: B.S. Business Administration, LaSalle University; J.D., Penn State Dickinson School of Law; M.B.A., Penn State
Qualifications: Former FBI Special Agent & Federal Prosector. Certified Public Accountant and EMT
Contact: brianfitzpatrick.com | www.instagram.com/brianfitzusa | facebook.com/BrianFitzUSA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
We cannot play politics with our national security, when there are countless lives jeopardized everyday due to existing open border policies. The price of inaction is just too high, as fentanyl continues to flow across the border killing our fellow Americans and cartels exploit the porous border for criminal activity, in addition to raging wars in the Middle East and Europe. Lawmakers must rise above partisan gamesmanship and come together to solve pressing problems. That is why I introduced the bipartisan Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act. This legislation provides, for one-year, necessary authorities to secure the U.S. southern border and supports critical military aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. We can and must do both.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
We must fix a broken Washington with a government reform plan that challenges career politicians: term limits for members of Congress, pass a budget or don’t get paid, and balance the budget. These commonsense reforms would change the incentive structure and lead to more problem solving for the American people. Hyper-partisanship is also the greatest internal threat to our country. I also am pushing for legislation that allows access to political party primaries for Independents or non-affiliated voters. We need lawmakers answering to their entire constituency—not just showboating for a narrow sliver of the electorate. These reforms would be transformative and help promote the bipartisanship that our community and country wants.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
We must restore faith in our elections and confidence in our democratic institutions. It should be easy to vote, and hard to cheat. That is why I authored H.R. 156, The Restoring Faith in Our Elections Act. My bill would require a photo ID in order to vote, require signature matching for absentee ballots, and ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting. I support eliminating partisan gerrymandering, which causes lawmakers to focus on accumulating power rather than serving constituents and has contributed to the partisanship that grinds the gears of government to a halt. We need independent, nonpartisan commissions to draw congressional maps and allow access to political party primaries for Independents or non-affiliated voters.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
As the world’s oldest and strongest democracy, the United States’ primary responsibility must be to secure its own borders. But we also have an obligation to assist our allies in securing their borders, especially when they come under assault by dictators, terrorists, and totalitarians. Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan are all freedom-loving democracies, they are our allies, and we must assist them in protecting their borders just as we must protect our own. The world is watching, and if we abandon our allies now, I fear our nation will pay the price in the future. We must support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and democracy and stand up to Putin’s brutal war of terror, and we must defend Israel against terrorist threats.
Mark Houck
Mark Houck is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Bucks
Occupation: Lecturer
Education: BA & M.Ed.
Contact: houckforcongress.com | facebook.com/houckforcongress
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Immigration & Weaponization of the government against the American people
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Term limits & following the US constitution as it relates to votes. Stop the unconstitutional spending!
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
Would support all legislation that strengthen’s each state’s ability to ensure that election integrity is secured; hand ballot counting should return to the states
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
The US has a role but limited. We are not responsible for maintaining the security of each nation who are our allies. We must secure our own border or else we don’t have a nation.
District 2 - Democrat
Brendan F. Boyle
County: Philadelphia
Contact: voteboyle.com | facebook.com/brendan.boyle.7165
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 2 - Republican
Aaron Bashir
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Business Professional
Education: La Salle University MBA
Qualifications: Aaron is the Republican Ward Leader in the 54th Ward in Philadelphia. He is a well known civic leader in the community, recognized for his committment to serving the citizens of the area with dedication, responsiveness and honesty.
Contact: Bashirforcongress.com | facebook.com/groups/446506480501896
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
The country is in unprecedented crisis with a myriad of issues that need to be addressed. The most pressing issue is the situation at the border, with thousands of unvetted immigrants entering the country on a daily basis, many of whom are drug traffickers, child traffickers with extensive criminal histories. This has resulted in a devastating destabilization of our country and our communities, with countless resources wasted on these individuals. I would make it a priority to strictly enforce and strengthen our immigration laws, and support the deportation of any who enter the country illegally.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Fewer than 20% of the American people approve of the way Congress is currently functioning. Political corruption is pervasive and too many members of Congress are beholden to wealthy special interest groups and lobbyists. I would support strengthening campaign finance, ethics and lobbying laws and the expulsion of members who violate these laws.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I would support the following legislation: 1. Voter ID. 2. Proof of US citizenship as a requirement of voting. 3. Severe penalties for election officials who violate election codes and fail to ensure ballot chain of custody. 4. One day voting with paper ballots. 5. Limiting mail-in and absentee balloting to those citizens away from their jurisdictions on election day or with documented disabilities that restrict their ability to vote in person.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
There need to be limitations regarding US involvement in responding to challenges facing the international community. America first policies should always prevail. I support US involvement in international challenges which pose a direct threat to our national security and economic prosperity.
District 3 - Democrat
Dwight Evans
Dwight Evans is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
Party: Democratic
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: U.S. House of Representatives
Education: Community College of Philadelphia and LaSalle University
Qualifications: I have served in public office since 1980. Thirty-six years as a state legislator and eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives. I work for the people I represent, not the other way around. I truly believe that as an elected official my constituents want to see me govern, not grandstand.
Contact: www.dwightevans.com | facebook.com/DwightEvansPA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
There are serious and growing threats to our democracy and if we don’t fight back with everything that we have our nation could be fundamentally altered forever. It is critical that I call attention to these undemocratic efforts and use every resource at my disposal to encourage citizens to engage in the voting process. As elected officials and candidates we don’t always do a good job of connecting the votes that people cast with outcomes from the government. We need to show them what it is that we accomplish on their behalf and listen to them when we fall short of the voters expectations. This is a democracy if we can keep it and right now we must do everything that we can to make sure it is in place for future generations.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
I represent a district of approximately 770,000 constituents and it has serious challenges. I don’t see my district being an outlier and one thing I would like to see is additional resources so House members could hire more constituent service staff in their districts. The staff I have has tremendous case loads and additional staff would help to address this and help more constituents on a regular basis. I’d like to see quicker integration of technology into government services and make it easier to retrieve important documents for constituents.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I’m in full support of automatic voter registration programs like the one Governor Josh Shapiro implemented in Pennsylvania last year. I would like to see same day voter registration and voting. I think there should be more resources for states and boards of elections. Too often we ask them to take on new challenges or implement new programs but don’t include more funding for them to adequately follow through. I would like to see less restrictions on the use of vote by mail and I definitely would not be in favor of any form of universal voter id legislation.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
There are many challenges going on across the world and as the world’s strongest democracy the US has a leading role to play in addressing these challenges. Sometimes our roll comes in the form of foreign aid to nations struggling with famine or war. Other times it comes down to the US leading the charge in building up clean energy capabilities to better address the threat of global climate change. We must lead by example and build coalitions if we are to address the mainly changes going on in the world.
Tracey Gordon
Party: Democratic
County: Philadelphia
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 4 - Democrat
Madeleine Dean
Madeleine Dean is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Member of Congress, PA-04 (2019-Present)
Education: BA, La Salle University; JD, Delaware Law School of Widener University
Qualifications: Member, U.S. House of Representatives (2019-Present); Member, Pennsylvania House of Representatives (2012-18)
Contact: mad4pa.com | facebook.com/Mad4PA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Among the most pressing issues we face is the preservation of our democracy from those who wish to undermine it; on a related note, of course, is the protection of voting rights. In both the 116th and 117th Congresses, I was an original cosponsor of H.R. 1 – the For the People Act. To name just a few provisions, this bill would expand voter registration/access, mandate independent commissions for congressional redistricting, require a code of conduct for Supreme Court Justices (and other federal office holders/employees), and make much-needed changes to our campaign finance system – all of which would ensure a more level playing field and a stronger, more responsive democracy/federal government. We must codify Roe to protect women’s rights.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Again, I look back to H.R. 1 – the For the People Act. Trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, and we must take action to remedy that by ensuring ethical, transparent, and responsive governance. Minimizing the influence of money in politics, outlawing gerrymandering, and expanding voting access would instill a greater confidence in Americans that the federal government is working to address the many challenges and opportunities we face. Beyond the For the People Act, I also supported the TRUST In Congress Act to bar Members of Congress (and their spouses) from trading stocks while in office. Doing so would increase the public’s trust of their federal government.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
Beyond H.R. 1 – the For the People Act – which I feel I’ve adequately summarized in my previous two responses, I recently introduced H.R. 7389 – the Accessible Voting Act of 2024 – with my colleagues Reps. Scanlon and Raskin. Broadly, this bill would increase voting accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities and older Americans. This Congress, I’m also an original cosponsor of H.R. 5048 – the Protecting Our Democracy Act, which would prevent abuses of Presidential power, strengthen checks and balances/transparency in government, and defend against foreign interference in our elections.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
As the global superpower, the US has an indispensable role to lead – especially in conflicts like those we see in Ukraine, in Israel. We are uniquely positioned to be a force for both good and democracy in the international community. Accordingly, we have a responsibility to stand with our allies (especially those in NATO), to hold our adversaries to account, and to promote good governance across the globe. When helping to respond to challenges facing the international community, we must prioritize finding diplomatic solutions above all else. Diplomatic channels must be exhausted before considering alternative routes of conflict resolution.
District 4 - Republican
David Winkler
David Winkler is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Combat Veteran
Education: BBA Austin Peay
Qualifications: United States Marine Corps, United States Army, Law Enforcement Officer, Advisor to the Afghanistan Government, Ballistic Missile Defense Advisor to the South Korean Government, CEO of a Veterans Non-profit
Contact: winklerforpa4.com | www.instagram.com/winklerforcongresspa4/ | facebook.com/davidjwinklerPA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Division has become one of the top issues facing America today. The country is experiencing heightened polarization and deepening rifts along political, social, and cultural lines. This division has led to a breakdown in civil discourse, increased partisanship, and a lack of unity in addressing critical issues.
Inflation is a top issue that is causing concern among policymakers, economists, and consumers alike. The rise in prices of goods and services can erode purchasing power, reduce savings, and impact overall economic stability.
Security at the border is a top issue that has far-reaching implications for national safety, immigration policies, and international relations.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Enforcing term limits, introducing anti-lobbying laws, and stopping political theatrics are vital steps to make Congress more effective. By bringing in fresh perspectives, reducing the influence of special interests, and focusing on substantive policy debates rather than theatrics, Congress can prioritize the needs of the American people and work towards meaningful progress on key issues.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I support voter ID laws which can help ensure the integrity of the electoral process by verifying the identity of voters, preventing fraud, and upholding the principle of fair and secure elections. Implementing reasonable voter ID requirements can enhance confidence in the democratic system and safeguard the fundamental right to vote for all eligible citizens.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
Putting America first over foreign interests is my priority & strategy that focuses on advancing the well-being, security, and prosperity of the United States and its citizens. By prioritizing domestic needs, national security, economic growth, and diplomatic interests that benefit America, policymakers should ensure that decisions align with the best interests of the country and its citizens. My approach emphasizes sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and strategic partnerships that serve to strengthen America’s position in the global arena.
District 5 - Democrat
Mary Gay Scanlon
Mary Gay Scanlon is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Delaware
Occupation: Member of Congress
Education: Colgate University, University of Pennsylvania Law School
Contact: scanlonforcongress.com | facebook.com/marygayscanlon
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Attacks on reproductive rights and voting rights must be stopped. We need to pass legislation codifying protections for reproductive care and update our voting rights legislation, including through bills like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
End gerrymandering and protect voting rights.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
John Lewis Voting Rights Act, at a minimum
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
The United States must continue to be the moral center of the international community and live up to the promises we gave all our allies.
District 5 - Republican
Alfeia Goodwin
County: Delaware
Contact: facebook.com/alfegoodwin
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 6 - Democrat
Chrissy Houlahan
Chrissy Houlahan is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Chester
Occupation: Air Force Veteran, Serial Entrepreneur, Educator, Nonprofit Executive, Member of Congress
Education: Stanford and MIT
Qualifications: Three time winner of the Congressional Management Foundation’s Democracy Award given to members of Congress who excel in 1) Constituent Service, 2) Accountability and Transparency, and 3) Workplace Culture.
Contact: chrissyhoulahanforcongress.com | facebook.com/HoulahanForPA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
As I write this in April 2024, the issues I am most focused on right now are (not in any order) 1) addressing our own recovering economy and our national security/border issues 2) protecting our freedoms including reproductive and health choices 3) securing continued support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia — so Russian aggression doesn’t spread and so that American soldiers don’t end up fighting on the ground in Europe or in a larger war 4) bringing about a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and Israel and ensuring a lasting peace in the Middle East, and 5) ensuring that our own elections are free and fair. I am actively working in Congress and in our community.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
There are many. I support 1) raising the threshold to remove the Speaker of the House so it takes more than one person to remove them, 2) empowering committee members to shape legislation under their committees of jurisdiction, and 3) enabling every bill with significant bipartisan support to get a vote in the House, among other reforms. Of course, addressing gerrymandering would help as would other similar voting reform actions but many of these are not controlled federally.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I am a proud supporter of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, and H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
At our best, the US leads the international community as a force for good, advocating for global peace, cooperation, and human rights. We can ensure our own national security and effectively respond to challenges facing the international community by supporting our allies in Ukraine, ensuring a robust national defense, keeping our allies close and watchful eyes on our adversaries, addressing emerging threats such as cuber, AI and biological, and mitigating climate change.
District 6 - Republican
Neil Young
County: Chester
Contact: neilyoungforcongress.com | facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554209462019
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 7 - Democrat
Susan Wild
Susan Wild is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Lehigh
Occupation: Member of Congress
Education: American University, Bachelor’s Degree; George Washington University Law School, Juris Doctor
Qualifications: Susan Wild has lived in the Lehigh Valley community for over 30 years. In 2018, Rep. Wild became the first woman to represent Pennsylvania 7th’s Congressional district. In Congress, Rep. Wild spends every day working on behalf of her community to make government work better for Pennsylvanians.
Contact: wildforcongress.com | www.instagram.com/wildforcongress/?hl=en | facebook.com/wildforcongress
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
My number one priority in Congress has always been lowering your costs. Since Day One, I’ve been fighting to reduce the cost of prescription drugs and health care, so that every American can access the life-saving care they deserve. I’ve worked to create high-quality job opportunities right here in the Greater Lehigh Valley to support local manufacturing and local workers, and to address supply chain issues that have raised everyday costs for our families. And I’ve worked to make sure every person can access the critical reproductive health care they need – because medical decisions should be made by you and your doctor, not by politicians. I promise you, I will always put you first, just like I’ve done as your Representative.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Our citizens deserve proven, reliable leaders who can put aside partisan differences to focus on what matters most: making sure hard-working families and seniors have what they need to thrive. When I first got to Congress, I requested that I serve on the House Ethics Committee, where I am now the top ranking Democrat. I have dedicated my career to ensuring that all elected officials are held to the highest standards of accountability and transparency. I’m also proud of my strong bipartisan track record in Congress where my focus has always been getting things done and delivering for the Greater Lehigh Valley. We need more leaders ready to step up to the plate to put our communities first, as I have done throughout my career.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
The right to vote is sacred in a democracy, and we cannot have a fair and representative government if there is discrimination in our voting process. I’m proud to have supported voting rights legislation in Congress, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. I introduced legislation to require every state to offer at least 15 consecutive days of early voting for federal elections. I also introduced the Stay in Line to Vote Act, which would explicitly allow food and drink to be provided to voters waiting in line to vote. At a moment when threats to American democracy have never been greater, we must do everything in our power to give citizens the tools and resources they need to cast their ballots and make their voices heard.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
Through my role on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve been proud to advocate for human rights and the protection of democracy abroad. I believe that the United States has a collaborative role to play with others in the international community, while also supporting our interests here at home. To address issues like climate change, the protection of democracy, and the expansion of human rights, we must work with other nations in our connected global community.
District 7 - Republican
Ryan E. Mackenzie
Ryan Mackenzie is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Lehigh
Occupation: State Representative
Education: Harvard University, MBA; New York University, BS Finance and International Business; Parkland High School
Qualifications: State Representative, Part of Lehigh County (2012-present); Republican Chair, PA House Labor and Industry Committee
Contact: mackenzieforcongress.com | facebook.com/MackenzieForCongress
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Illegal immigration, Washington over-spending, and funding of forever wars - all of which are costing every American too much, driving inflation, and stopping us from addressing American issues first. In Congress, I will build on my proven record of never voting for a tax increase, passing laws that help fight illegal immigration, and focusing the budget on our priorities. We can no longer afford to shirk our duty to American citizens and we must secure our border, protect Social Security and Medicare, and help those who truly in need.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Washington’s budget process is an absolute disaster and fails every year. Without a balanced budget requirement or hard and fast annual deadlines, supplemental spending and continuing resolutions are the way government is routinely funded. We must force Congress to be accountable to taxpayers by showing them the entire picture, for the entire year. We must make certain we spend only what we are taking in. We must stop raiding the Social Security Trust Fund. And we need to end the piecemeal budgeting approach that makes it too easy for the politicians to overspend because there is no prioritization. Holding Congress accountable will force them to work together more effectively and, as the budget will be completed at one time, efficiently.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
We need to make it hard to cheat and easy to vote for eligible U.S. citizens. Voter ID will ensure that only those eligible to vote can vote as well as help prevent fraud. Reversing the disastrous changes forced by the courts and Governor Wolf’s administration on election integrity requirements surrounding mail-in voting will help increase the confidence and participation of voters. As State Representative, these are reforms that I have voted to support and that were blocked by the radical Democrat politicians.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
While the U.S. can and should play a role in the international community, it’s FIRST duty is to American citizens. That is a duty that has been ignored or forgotten for too long in Washington. Congress and the President can no longer ask taxpayers to fund things like housing, food and medical benefits for illegal immigrants, or forever wars, when we aren’t even taking care of our citizens and our own communities. Ensuring the needs and challenges of America are met first is critical when making decisions on how to help our allies and partners in the international community.
District 7 - Republican
Kevin Dellicker
Kevin Dellicker is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Lehigh
Occupation: Business owner
Education: Master of Divinity, Liberty University | Master of Military Operational Arts and Sciences, Air University | Master of Public Administration, Syracuse University | BS Environmental Resource Management, Penn State | BA History, Penn State
Qualifications: 28 years of military service as Army infantry soldier, Air Force Intelligence Officer, Squadron Commander. 19 years of business experience as owner of cybersecurity and broadband infrastructure company. Married with three sons. 40 years living in the district as a coach, mentor and minister.
Contact: dellickerforcongress.com | www.instagram.com/kevindellicker/ | facebook.com/KevinDellickerforCongress
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
I think there are three:
Good Jobs. Overspending by Democrats has unleashed runaway inflation upon our country. Until we get federal spending under control, price pressures will remain, interest rates will stay high, and small businesses will struggle.
Safe Communities. We are weaker and less secure with the progressive left in power. We must secure our borders, restore law and order, and protect our vital interests with a strong national defense.
Strong Families. Washington liberals don’t share the same values as mainstream Americans. We shouldn’t have biological males playing girls’ sports. We must ensure parents are in charge of their child’s Education. And we must fight to protect our kids from online predators.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
I think we should eliminate pensions for Members of Congress. That would encourage leaders to go to Washington for a few years, get the job done, and then go back home and let somebody else serve. We should ban individual stock trading for Members of Congress. And we should have term limits.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
In Pennsylvania, no-excuse mail-in-ballots have thrown our electoral system into turmoil. Authorities cannot guarantee the chain of custody from the voter to the ballot box. Courts and administrators have changed the rules even as votes are being cast. And many people have lost confidence in the integrity of our election system. I think mail-in-ballots should only be allowed in special cases: people with disabilities, illnesses or the homebound, people who are traveling, people who are serving overseas. Otherwise, people should vote at the polls with verifiable paper ballots and voter identification. Finally, we must investigate and prosecute any instance of voter fraud with zero tolerance for corrupt officials.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
We need to restore the concept of Peace through Strength. Under the Biden Administration, our military is weaker, our global standing has declined, and our troops are stretched to the limits. Our adversaries aren’t afraid of us anymore and have been challenging our authority around the world. Americans don’t like to get entangled in foreign conflicts and would rather mind their own business. But when enemies attack our interests overseas and target U.S. troops, we must respond with overwhelming force and resolve. We need to rebuild our military, secure our border, and restore deterrence if we want to keep America free.
Maria Montero
County: Northampton
Contact: mariamontero.org | facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087638234145
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 8 - Democrat
Matt Cartwright
County: Lackawanna
Occupation: US Representative for Pennsylvania’s 8th District; formerly a trial lawyer for 25 years
Education: University of Pennsylvania Law School (JD), Hamilton College (BA)
Contact: cartwrightcongress.com | facebook.com/cartwrightpa
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
As our economy continues to grow, too many people are being left behind and life remains too expensive for the working people who make our country run. I have been honored to fight in Congress against the big corporations who continue to raise prices at all of our expense, including taking on Big Pharma to bring down the cost of prescription drugs and cap the cost of insulin for seniors.
Northeastern PA’s economy in particular has been badly hurt as our country continues to lose jobs overseas. That’s why I fight so hard in Congress to bring our fair share of federal dollars back to PA-08 and to deliver on promises like reestablishing passenger rail in our area, which will bring with it an additional $84M of economic activity every year.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Congress needs to get its financial house in order. As of this writing, we’re more than five months into the 2024 fiscal year and yet we haven’t actually figured out how much Congress is going to spend this year. I was proud when we passed the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to America last year that neither added to the deficit. Unfortunately, this year, Congress can’t seem to function at all, but I’m working with both parties to bring common sense back to how Congress spends money.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I wrote the Time Off to Vote Act, and I am a strong supporter of several additional pieces of legislation - including the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act - that all have the same goal in mind: to make sure that all Americans who have the right to vote can do so and that every American can trust that their election is secure.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
America is the greatest country in the world because we stand up for freedom every chance we get. That includes defending and expanding upon the freedoms enjoyed in this country by every one of our citizens, and it includes standing up for freedom around the globe against authoritarians. As the strongest country in the world, we have kept Americans and the world more safe by leading this fight for freedom.
But now, China seeks to displace us as the global superpower. China has grown by taking our jobs, forcing minorities into inhumane work camps, and trampling over its citizens’ god-given freedoms. A world with China at the top is a world where our freedoms are at risk, and we must do everything we can to win this race against China.
District 8 - Republican
Rob Bresnahan, Jr.
County: Luzerne
Contact: robforpa.com | facebook.com/RobforPA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 9 - Democrat
Amanda Waldman
County: Lycoming
Contact: waldman4pa.com | facebook.com/Waldman4PA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 9 - Republican
Dan Meuser
Dan Meuser is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Luzerne
Occupation: Congressman PA-09
Education: New York Maritime University, Cornell University
Qualifications: Former PA Secretary of Revenue, Businessman with 20+ years of experience
Contact: meuserforcongress.com | facebook.com/MeuserforCongress
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
As a conservative Congressman, I see the southern border crisis, inflation, rising crime, and ongoing wars as top concerns. My solutions: secure the border, rein in spending to curb inflation, support law enforcement, and restoring leadership to the White House. That is why I am supporting President Donald Trump for President.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
It’s crucial to uphold constitutional principles and ensure the sanctity of our electoral process. Too often, we have seen individual interpretations by state officials and bureaucrats undermining the security of the electoral process, which results in growing distrust in the process. All election officials must adhere to established laws to safeguard the ballot, and operate with full transparency with the public.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
The U.S. must lead from the front as a world leader, ensuring security domestically first. By prioritizing the safety of the American people, we can effectively protect our allies and respond to global challenges with strength and resolve. Unfortunately, from the botched and deadly withdraw from Afghanistan to the late response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration has been wrong or absent time and time again on the world stage.
District 10 - Democrat
Janelle Stelson
Janelle Stelson is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Lancaster
Occupation: Journalist
Education: B.A., University of Puget Sound
Qualifications: For nearly 40 years, I've been listening to and advocating for our communities as a TV news anchor and reporter. You have trusted me to shine a light on our issues, big and small. Now, with our basic rights and democracy under attack, I'm joining the fight.
Contact: janellestelson.com | facebook.com/janellestelson
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
You deserve a Representative in Congress who will fight for your freedoms and work hard to make life more affordable for everyone. Women must be able to make their own health care decisions with their doctors. In Congress, I will fight to ensure the protections guaranteed under Roe are once again the law of the land. Big Pharma and insurance companies have jacked up prices and put lives at risk. I will fight for high-quality, affordable health care. Central Pennsylvanians also deserve a Representative who will advocate for policies that create good-paying jobs, and support our hard-working families with a living wage. You should never have to decide between putting food on the table or paying for the care you need.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
When our elected leaders vote in accordance with their benefactors, instead of those they represent, it is hard for government to function. I've prioritized discussing the outsized role that money plays in politics at nearly every juncture of my campaign. On top of taking money out of politics, we need to prioritize bipartisanship and collaboration. Too often, gridlock and partisanship have paralyzed Congress, preventing meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to voters. Scott Perry has time and again been the only member of Congress from Pennsylvania — in either party - to vote against bipartisan legislation that would move our country forward. I will do the opposite.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
Any effort to undermine the right to vote is an affront to the core principles of our country. Given Congressman Perry's efforts to overturn our votes in the 2020 election, voting rights and democracy will be central issues in this election. I stand firm in opposing all forms of voter suppression, intimidation, and restrictions on ballot access. In Congress, I will use my position to actively work toward expanding voting opportunities in Pennsylvania. It is vital that every voice is heard — and that our government truly represents the diverse perspectives and needs of all of us.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
The US is a leader on the global stage in addressing international conflicts and humanitarian crises. Our leadership must set the tone for international cooperation through aggressive diplomacy. We should continue to promote peace, stability, and prosperity globally. The US has an important role in global economic policies and diplomatic relations, which also have a real impact on the price we pay for a gallon of gas or milk at home. The impact of international challenges must be considered not only on the global stage, as we work toward lowering the cost of living here in Pennsylvania.
Shamaine Daniels
Shamaine Daniels is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.
County: Dauphin
Occupation: Attorney/Harrisburg Council Member
Education: B.A. Political Science-International Relations and Sociology from West Chester University of PA, M.A. Women’s Studies University of Cincinnati J.D. University of Cincinnati College of Law
Qualifications: I have been a Councilmember for ten years and am well versed in the way government works. I was also an attorney who challenged unlawful government practices so I am well-versed in ensuring that government works ethically and legally.
Contact: danielsforcongress.org | facebook.com/Daniels4Congress
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
The country is in a state of crisis, from Republicans constantly threatening to or actually shutting down the government, to their willingness to cause chaos at the border and undermining our credibility abroad to fundamental rights being eliminated, to not being able to address our infrastructure/environmental needs. The first step in recovering is to have more Democrats in office at the Federal level. We need to restore our reproductive rights, engage in comprehensive immigration reform so that we stop losing our farms, have access to medical care and normalize the working-age tax base. We also need to take our infrastructure and environmental needs seriously.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
We do need to elect more Democrats. We have a small group of far-right Republicans who pride themselves in chaos. They organized the January 6th just because they didn’t like our electoral rules.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I would support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
The United States has a moral and strategic interest in being engaged in international affairs. However, we need to do a better job at leveraging our diplomatic tools to secure peace.
Mike O’Brien
Mike O'Brien is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Dauphin
Occupation: Retired US Marine Corps Pilot
Education: US Naval Academy - Bachelors Degree in Systems Engineering: MIT - Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Qualifications: I firmly believe that members of the U.S. House of Representatives should see themselves as servant leaders, not politicians. I spent 20 years as a servant leader in the U.S. Marine Corps and want to bring the values of character, integrity, initiative, and follow-through to the political arena.
Contact: mikeobrienforpa.com | www.instagram.com/mikeobrienforpa | facebook.com/mikeobrienforpa
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
In 2016, in the aftermath of the election of Donald Trump, a wave of divisiveness, negative partisanship, grievance politics, and obstructionism brought good governance to a grinding halt. To solve this affliction, Americans and South Central Pennsylvanians need leaders that we can trust, who aren’t afraid to have transparent, authentic, cross-cutting conversations that result in a better life for all of us, regardless of political affiliation. We need an increase in bridging interactions through service, especially national service (military, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, etc.), that bring Americans together from all regions, races, religions, etc. in support of the common goal of promoting the American values that unite us.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
It starts with Congressional leaders on both sides that are willing to reach across the aisle. In synchronizing the visions outlined above, I believe in working with members from any Party to increase the funding for pluralistic service-based and interfaith organizations as a means of bridging partisan divides. I also believe it is crucial to simultaneously promote legislation to strengthen the pillars of democracy that form the very foundation of America: free and fair elections, protection of basic political rights and liberties, an independent and unbiased media, horizontal checks and balances on the executive branch, and the rule of law itself.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
As alluded to, we must prioritize defending and strengthening American democracy itself to reach a place where Congress functions in the role that it was designed for. Specific democracy initiatives that I would support are the following:
- Regulate campaign finance i.e. end Citizens United
- Ensure non-partisan redistricting in all states
- Make Election Day a national holiday
- Expand access to the ballot with simpler registration processes, early voting options
- Increasing funding for communication regarding how to register, when to vote, where to vote, and how to vote.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
By virtue of our economic standing, strength of our military, and dedication to human rights and liberal values, America remains a leader in the world – and we need to act like it. Based on significant personal experience while serving as a U.S. Marine with a focus on the Middle East (2010-2013), Northeast Asia (2016-2019), and Southeast Asia (2021-2023), I believe the strength of our leadership depends upon diplomatic and security relationships with our allies and partners. We have a distinct advantage over our adversaries when it comes to alliances, defense partnerships, and information sharing and we must continue to grow and leverage those advantages in order to effectively respond to challenges across the globe.
Rick Coplen
Rick Coplen is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Cumberland
Occupation: Teacher, Elected School Board member, Non-Profit Leader, Small Business Co-owner
Education: B.S., U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY (1981); M.P.A., Princeton University, Princeton, NJ (1992); PhD. Coursework, American Politics, Georgetown University, Washington DC (2001-2003)
Qualifications: Combat and Peacekeeping U.S. Army Veteran; Small business co-owner of a farm; Teacher and facilitator at U.S. Army Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Army War College, and Elizabethtown College
Contact: rickcoplenforcongress.com | www.instagram.com/rickcoplen4congress/ | facebook.com/RickForPA10
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
- Ensuring the reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy of women by statue and Constitutional amendment.
- Defending democracy at home and abroad by strengthening the infrastructure of democracy (elections and citizen engagement) and supporting democracies under threat of authoritarianism.
- Achieving family financial security by preserving Social Security and Medicare, ensuring a living wage, and investing in homeownership.
- Enacting gun safety laws consistent with the 2nd Amendment by banning assault weapons, disarming domestic abusers, banning ghost guns, enacting a Red Flag law, requiring universal background checks, and destroying guns used in the commission of crimes.
- Mitigating and reversing the effects of climate change.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Make the so-called Hastert Rule illegal. The rule prevents legislation from getting a vote unless a majority of the majority party supports it. This prevents legislation with bi-partisan support from being considered, which undermines compromise and empowers a small minority of obstructionists to thwart the will of the American people.
Make it easier for rank-and-file lawmakers to bring the legislation up for a vote if leadership refuses to do so.
Overturn Citizens United and ban dark money to ensure that the American people know who is exerting how much influence over public officials and elections.
Make it easier and more transparent for citizens to connect the dots between campaign contributions, legislation, and legislators’ votes.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I will vote for the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
I support increasing legal voter registration and participation in elections, including making Election Day a national holiday, automatic voter registration, and other efforts to make legal voting easy and secure.
I support voter education about how elections work to restore confidence elections.
I will work to end partisan gerrymandering by creating clear systems for drawing fair legislative districts that protect the integrity of elections. Our people crave a process they can trust.I also will vote to impose severe penalties on those who interfere with the non-partisan administration of elections or seek to overturn the results of elections.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
A threat to democracy anywhere is a threat to democracy in America. As a teacher of international relations, I know that America’s position of political leadership is crucial. We cannot waver in our commitments to the rest of the world without severe consequences abroad and at home. We must show that democracy works for ordinary people and that human rights are sacred.
The strength of our example must be matched by the strength of our military’s ability to enforce the Rule of Law when bad actors, such as Vladimir Putin, test our resolve. If we are not clear in that regard, we invite World War III and horrors that we cannot conceive of.
Similarly, we must demonstrate leadership in making our planet sustainable for future generations.
Blake Lynch
Blake Lynch is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
Party: Democratic
County: Dauphin
Occupation: Senior Vice President & Chief Impact Officer
Education: Attended Messiah University
Qualifications: Senior Vice President & Chief Impact Officer of WITF, Inc., Director of Community Relations for Harrisburg Police Bureau, Director of Development Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrisburg
Contact: blakelynch.com | www.instagram.com/blakelynch4pa/ | facebook.com/blakelynch4PA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Our most pressing issues is to ensure that high-quality, better paying jobs are brought to the region, that costs are lowered, schools are fully funded, our streets are made safer, and our environment is protected. Each of these can be accomplished through bipartisan efforts to support commonsense policies and programs. Blake has the experience and connections throughout the region to ensure that these issues are addressed in ways that provide for the district in meaningful ways.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Congress works best when it works towards bipartisan efforts and electing representatives that will represent their districts with honesty and dignity. Blake will work in a bipartisan way to find solutions to the issues that exist in the district and the country.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
The John Lewis Act and the For the People Act are two key pieces of legislation that need to be passed to protect and expand voting rights and fair elections.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
The United States is and should remain a leader in the world. Thus, it is a responsibility of ours to uphold our international agreements and ensure the peace and safety of our allies.”
John Broadhurst
County: York
Contact: broadhurstforcongress.com
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 10 - Republican
Scott Perry
County: York
Contact: patriotsforperry.com | facebook.com/ScottPerryforCongress
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 11 - Democrat
Jim Atkinson
Jim Atkinson is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Lancaster
Occupation: Airline Pilot
Education: 4-year degree
Qualifications: Sixty years of life experience
Contact: www.atkinsonforcongress.com | facebook.com/Jimbabababa
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Most pressing right now is the influence of money in our politics. This is the mother of all other issues, because it corrupts our ability to develop good ideas and implement good solutions. Instead, we essentially put our politics out for auction and the results are quite distressing: our government is doling out favors to the richest among us, while adding another trillion dollars to the national debt every 100 days. It is not sustainable, it is wrong, and it needs to change.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
It may sound radical, but simply limiting all lobbying to congressional committee hearings would have a huge effect. The First Amendment guarantees the right to “”petition the government for a redress of grievances,“” but doesn’t say that this ““petitioning”” can be done out of the public eye. Too much lobbying is intertwined with influential amounts of money nowadays, and it’s the money, n. The end result is a government which makes no one happy except those with the money to influence it. When the objective of individual members of Congress is primarily to raise funds, they will concentrate on that objective. Only by placing a tourniquet on the flow of influence money can we hope for a return to “”government by good ideas.“”
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I would support any effective legislation presented which protects voting rights. Protecting voting rights and safeguarding access is essential to preserving our democracy.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
We have to stand up for our values, not just our interests. We need to demonstrate, in our foreign policy, that we walk the walk on human rights and that we do not see international justice as a negotiable principle.
I stand very much in favor of defending Ukraine and helping it survive as a nation. I favor Israel’s pursuit of eliminating Hamas in the Gaza Strip, but I would add that innocent Palestinian civilians should not be sacrificed in the process.
District 11 - Republican
Lloyd K. Smucker
County: Lancaster
Contact: electsmucker.com | facebook.com/SmuckerforCongress
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 12 - Democrat
Summer Lee
Summer Lee is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Allegheny
Occupation: American politician who is the U.S. representative for Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district
Education: I graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2009 and earned a Juris Doctor from the Howard University School of Law
Qualifications: In 2022, I was the first Black woman from my region elected to represent Pennsylvania’s 12th district. I secured $1 Billion in federal investments for Western PA, which will improve our infrastructure & transit and create thousands of union jobs. I also have leadership positions in many caucuses.
Contact: summerforpa.com | www.instagram.com/summerleeforpa/ | facebook.com/SummerForPA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Throughout our nation’s history, we have never delivered on the promises of democracy. The legacy of slavery has carried on through gerrymandering and voter suppression, and democracy reform is the root of all issues we face today. Our region suffers from some of the poorest air quality in the nation. Environmental justice is one of our most pressing issues, which is why I’ve fought for a Green New Deal to transition to a renewable energy economy. Every child also deserves access to a first-rate, free public Education despite their background. Right-wing extremists on the Supreme Court have gutted our right to abortion care. Congress must do everything in its power to restore our fundamental freedom to control our bodies and our futures.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
I believe that we should end the filibuster, a tool used by segregationist Senators to oppose civil rights legislation, that stands in the way of progress today. We need to ban members of Congress from trading stocks because they should not be profiting off access to closed-door information about the companies they should be regulating. Members of Congress who trade stocks have a clear conflict of interest — they need to work for the people they represent, not for their own portfolios. I also want to enforce real ethics requirements, end lifetime appointments, and expand the federal courts so that right-wing extremists can’t sell our freedoms to the highest bidder. As I said, we also need to get money out of politics more fundamentally.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I support the Freedom to Vote Act, which improves access to the ballot for Americans, advances commonsense federal election standards and campaign finance reforms, and strengthens our democracy. I’ve also cosponsored the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 to protect voting rights against attacks by Republican state legislatures and right wing judges by revitalizing the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and strengthening legal protections against discriminatory voting policies and practices. By improving access to the ballot and passing legislation against discriminatory voting practices, we can protect voting rights for citizens all across the nation and make elections fair and free.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
We are a pro-peace office that believes the United States has a crucial role in the world. The United States must be a global leader in fighting climate change, promoting global economic justice, and creating a more peaceful and just world for all.
Bhavini Patel
Bhavini Patel is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Allegheny
Occupation: Previously: Allegheny County Community Outreach Manager; Currently: Edgewood Borough Council
Education: University of Pittsburgh (BPhil International Area Studies, Sociology, Africana Studies); University of Oxford (MPhil International Relations)
Qualifications: Edgewood Borough Councilperson, Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, 2020 Democratic National Convention Joe Biden Delegate, Monroeville Rotarian, FBI Citizens Academy Graduate, Pitt MA of Quantitative Economics Program Board, Pitt Alumni Association Board, Sustainable PGH Board
Contact: patelforpa.com | www.instagram.com/patelforpa/ | facebook.com/PatelForPA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
We must mobilize to reelect President Joe Biden and Senator Bob Casey. We have zero margin for error and democracy depends on it. Being anti-Trump is not the same as being pro-Biden. We must champion the work President Biden has done with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, CHIPS and Sciences Act, Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. I would have represented PA-12 by voting in favor of raising the debt ceiling in July 2023 because voting records are an important reflection of the electorate.
Our fundamental freedoms depend on 2024, including advocating for reproductive justice, protecting our LGBTQ+ communities, holding big corporations accountable, and ending systemic racism.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
I grew up in a working-class family and believe in the power of the American Dream - we must protect it. I was raised by a single-mother from India, who dreamed of a better future for my brother and I. She became a small-business owner when she opened a food truck on Pitt’s campus - my family has been running this business for 25 years. I became the first in my family to graduate from college by attending Pitt and earned my Master’s from Oxford.
Democracy is fragile and fringe extremism erodes the ability to deliver on the very issues uplifting working-class communities. To hold onto the promise of our shared American Dream requires uplifting diverse voices, building on collaboration and rejecting extremism. We have zero margin for error.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
Our elections must reflect the values of Americans and not big corporations. I’m committed to fighting to restore and protect the fundamental right to vote attacked by Republican legislators all across the nation. We must fight back against Republicans committed to disenfranchising communities of color, low-income people and individuals with disabilities. I will fight restrictive voter ID laws and closures of polling places that disproportionately impact low-income communities and college campuses.
I’m committed to investing in modernized voting infrastructure to protect against cyber threats, increase funding for election administration and so much more. Americans should not have to wait long hours to exercise the power of their vote.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
In our interconnected world, challenges such as supply chain dependencies with China and the need for domestic semiconductor manufacturing are economic and national security issues. It’s important to strengthen our domestic capabilities to ensure economic resilience and technological growth, while also competing effectively on the global stage.
I support aid for Ukraine and Israel, alongside humanitarian aid for regions like Gaza and the West Bank. The support for aid has been met with opposition from some within our Party, notably from more'fringe’ members. I believe it’s crucial to deliver on America’s commitment to global stability and democracy. This underpins our strategic alliances and moral obligations on the international stage.
District 12 - Republican
James Hayes
James Hayes is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Allegheny
Occupation: Chief Financial Officer
Education: B.S.F.S., International Economics, Georgetown Univ.; M.P.A., Economics and Policy, Princeton Univ.; M.B.A., Finance and Accounting, Univ. of Chicago; D.B.A., Management, Case Western Reserve Univ.
Qualifications: Accomplished business leader with extensive international business development, risk management, marketing, financial analysis, and strategic planning experience. Progressive leadership roles at prominent organizations, focusing on driving business growth and collaboration.
Contact: jameshayesforpa.com | facebook.com/jameshayesforpa
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Loss of control of the southern border. I believe that the U.S. House’s HR2 needs to become law so that the asylum loopholes are closed and there are meaningful and effective controls at the border.
Restoring energy independence/dominance. Congress should eliminate the restrictions placed on the energy industry, including restoring strategic pipeline infrastructure. We need permitting reform to remove the delay and uncertainty plaguing new projects and the industry needs to be free to grow while respecting environmental rules.
As a member of Congress, my top priorities are: Our Democracy, Reproductive Freedom, Gun Safety, Universal Healthcare, Immigration Reform, and Public Education.Education reform. It isn’t fair that a zip code determines the quality of education a child receives. We need to implement School Choice to allow the funds to follow the child.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
I think that Congress functions exactly how the Founding Fathers intended. There are legitimate policy differences between the two major parties and Congress provides a forum for these differences to be debated, developed into a consensus position and passed into law. It isn’t meant to be easy and shouldn’t be because the outcomes impact the lives of so many.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I believe that it is not too much to ask for voters to be required to provide a photo ID when they go to vote. This requirement exists for many less important things that we do in our daily lives. I think a photo ID requirement would go a long way to reassure voters that only legitimate votes will be cast and counted. In general I would support any measure that creates more transparency in the process between when a vote is cast and when it is counted and recorded. Such measures can included improved cyber and physical security for the voting process.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
I believe that the constitution establishes a contract between the Government and the people of the USA. That contract is for those who are public servants to advocate for the interests of our country. The role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community should be to always work toward ensuring the safety and prosperity of our nation’s citizens.
District 13 - Democrat
Beth Farnham
Beth Farnham is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Adams
Occupation: Stay-at-home parent, Part-time AI Reviewer
Education: Bachelor Degree in Biology, French, and Secondary education
Qualifications: Former school board member, credit analyst, pharmacy technician, administrative assistant for aerial platform manufacturer, faciliator of Medicare B claims.
Contact: bethfarnhamforcongress.com | www.instagram.com/bethfarnhamforcongress/ | facebook.com/BethFarnhamforCongress
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
In a strong Democracy, our right to vote is sacred, we have agency over our own bodies, we use and store guns responsibly, our healthcare is covered, immigrants have clear paths to citizenship, and we have equal access to formal Education.
By strengthening these areas of American society, we improve our lives in addition to our stewardship of the Earth. U.S. Representatives must serve the American people in ways that promote the general welfare, establish justice, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity as the Founders of this country envisioned.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
By seating more Democrats in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, everyday Americans will be able to experience legislation that benefits them, their families, and their communities.
Because of Republican intransigence and bickering, our Congress has been unable to pass the normal number of bills, about 200, they usually do.
Instead, our Congress has been held hostage by Republican inability to decide on a strong Speaker of the House, whereas Democrats were consistently united under Hakeem Jeffries, and the amount of time wasted by the Republicans led to only 27 bills being passed in 2023.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I would support legislation like the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act that John Joyce voted against. This Act, which passed the House, but not the Senate in 2021, served to:
- make Election Day a public holiday,
- allow for same-day voter registration,
- establish minimum early voting periods,
- allow absentee voting for any reason,
- regulate congressional redistricting,
- expand campaign finance disclosure rules,
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?amend the Voting Rights Act before allowing states to implement different election laws. Congress has a duty to protect our votes, but Rep John Joyce attempted to trash PA’s valid electoral votes in 2020 (TX Amicus Brief) and refused to certify those same votes on January 7, 2021, based on Trump’s lies of election fraud. How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community? It is absolutely the responsibility of the United States of America, THE dominant global power (ranked by Business Insider, 2023), to protect and defend our Allies by honoring the contracts, treaties, and alliances we have made with them. We cannot let authoritarian regimes simply take over fellow Democratic countries, like Russia is trying to do with Ukraine. If Ukraine falls to Russia, Russia becomes that much more powerful and may attack other nations in a bid to remove The United States of America from its number one position. Additionally, by giving aid to other Democracies through climate changes, the stability of those countries is maintained and they are less likely to be vulnerable to violent coups.
District 13 - Republican
John Joyce
County: Blair
Contact: johnjoyceforcongress.com | facebook.com/JoyceForCongress
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 14 - Democrat
Ken Bach
Ken Bach is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Westmoreland
Occupation: Auto Repair Shop owner
Education: 1985 graduate of Yough HS, US Navy 1985-1989, California University of PA 1990-92
Qualifications: Veteran, 14-year Yough school board member (4 as President), Small business owner, 30 year marriage, raised 2 kids that went on to become engineers, life experiences in many areas
Contact: kenbach.nationbuilder.com | facebook.com/14thdistofPA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. This must be fixed asap. Get the ultra-wealthy out of politics. Government should work for the people.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
We must change how we deal with each other. Fighting while nothing is getting done for the people is unacceptable.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
Renew the voting rights act. Update where needed.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
We must lead the free world. Without us leading who will?
Chris Dziados
Chris Dziados is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Washington
Occupation: Retired Military Officer
Education: Bachelor’s in Political Science, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Master’s in Systems Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
Qualifications: 1) Defense Policy Analyst, Pentagon, Washington D.C. 2018-2023 2) Military Planner for European Security, Headquarters, U.S. Army Europe, 2015-2018 3) Iraq Combat Veteran, 2x tours
Contact: dziadosforcongress.com | facebook.com/dziadosforcongress
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
1) Median U.S. wages have barely kept pace with inflation over the past half-century, despite a doubling of real GDP per capita over the same period. This means that working Americans are not benefiting from American prosperity. When elected, I will work to put an end to the 40-year-long attack on working families through the implementation of more equitable tax policies and worker protections.
2) Trust in government is near an all-time low, and Americans are demanding anti-corruption reforms. When elected, I will champion legislation that reins in the influence of money and lobbyists and increases accountability, oversight, and transparency of Congress.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Committees are where technical expertise is gained by committee members to inform better policy development. Yet over the past few decades, the weakening of committees has created an environment where legislation is written by Party leadership and brought to vote with little to no committee consideration. When elected, I will seek to improve the development of legislation by empowering committees through 1) deconfliction of committee schedules so members can attend meetings of the committees they sit on 2) increased nonpartisan congressional research services instead of deferring to lobbyist for technical information and 3) limiting the ability of bills to be brought to the floor without adequate review by the appropriate committees.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would modernize and revitalize the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Supreme Court has hampered the law by gutting its preclearance provisions and by making it harder to sue to stop discriminatory practices. The John Lewis Act would strengthen the law, moving us closer to ending discrimination in voting and guaranteeing equal access to the ballot. I will work to help enact this into law when elected.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
The modern rules-based international world order was established with U.S. leadership. In these challenging times, with conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, and pressure from an increasingly assertive China, the world continues to rely on America for leadership. If we give up our role, other countries will be eager to take our place, and the consequences of stepping back will be much worse than the effort needed to maintain U.S. global leadership.
District 14 - Republican
Guy Reschenthaler
County: Washington
Contact: guyforpa.com | facebook.com/GuyReschenthalerPA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 15 - Democrat
Zach Womer
Zach Womer is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Centre
Occupation: Student
Education: B.A. in Psychology from Denison University. Current 1L in Penn State Law’s Juris Doctorate program.
Qualifications: Board Member of the Centre County Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, and Early Intervention Board.
Contact: womeforpa.com | www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556749914906
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
The first issue, which should concern everyone in the country regardless of political affiliation is the continued consolidation of our markets. Mergers and acquisitions of large corporations have made our markets uncompetitive, and completely subject to the whims of monopolistic corporations. We need to break up these companies to reduce their institutional power and help the American consumer. The next most significant issue is trade. NAFTA and China’s entry into the WTO have destroyed former manufacturing communities, like mine. Forcing American workers to bargain against undeveloped markets is a terrible deal for the American worker, and has thus robbed workers of the American dream.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
I strongly support institutional changes that remove corporate influence in elections, make congressional races more competitive, and better represent the country’s voters. At present, we have an uncompetitive system backed by corporations, which causes ideological gridlock, except when those backed by corporations want to kick back to the folks who got them elected. If we want Congress to function well, we need to clean up the corruption, polarization, and nonsense in our system.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I support any and all legislation that makes it easier for American citizens to vote. Most prominently, I believe election day ought to be a national holiday so that hard-working Americans can still access the polls. Beyond that, I would support legislation that greatly enhances the civic Education of Americans so that more people in the country understand just what they are voting for.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
I believe that the United States certainly has a role in international aid, however, what is unacceptable is when the United States takes care of foreign nations before ensuring the needs of its own citizens are taken care of. In the present moment, there are massive issues in the United States, and I am quite perturbed that the so-called, elites of our country are significantly more focused on international affairs rather than our own.
District 15 - Republican
Glenn GT Thompson
Glenn GT Thompson is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Centre
Occupation: Member of Congress, PA-15
Education: B.S. from the Pennsylvania State University, M.A. from Temple University
Qualifications: Former Bald Eagle Area School Board Member; former Centre County GOP Chairman; Member of Congress PA-5 (2009-2019); Member of Congress PA-15 (2020-Current), National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award winner (2016): Chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee (2020-Current)
Contact: GTThompson.com | www.instagram.com/teamcongressmangt | facebook.com/TeamGT
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
The metrics might suggest the economy is doing well, but at the end of the day people are feeling very different. We have more than nine million jobs open, with an alarming amount of people unemployed and under-employed. Meanwhile, our southern border remains unsecured, creating a massive humanitarian crisis and security concerns. We need to get this work done. In Congress, I have consistently worked in a bipartisan manner to achieve common ground. I credit my career in healthcare, lifetime in scouting, and working as an EMT and firefighter. Each provided me the ability to work with people from all walks of life. I believe the constituents expect no less. It is an honor to serve them and I am humbled by their continued support.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Congress was designed to have checks and balances. This was deliberate and the legislative process is not easy. However, I do not believe the process is flawed, but rather it is often hijacked by bad actors, who are starved for media attention. Every day I work to find common ground with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle. This has led to collaboration on a lot of issues, from serving our veterans, bringing tele-medicine to rural communities, to modernizing career and technical Education. Every success starts with finding common ground with my colleagues from across the political spectrum. Building better relationships is the key to success and one thing I personally strive for to ensure a better working Congress.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democratic system of government. It is imperative we maintain the integrity of our electoral process and ensure every eligible American’s right to vote. While I encourage efforts to reduce illegal activities in our federal elections, Congress needs to respect the role state and local governments play in shaping their own electoral processes. Discrimination of any kind is completely unacceptable. This is not a partisan issue; all Americans should push for inclusion and participation in the electoral process. The 2018, 2020, and 2022 elections had the highest turn out in decades, signaling a really positive trend.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
The U.S. plays a critical role in shaping international policy together with those countries that share our values. There are a number of diplomatic tools at our disposal to discourage bad actors from inflicting harm. America does more to support democracy across the globe than any other country. I am a strong supporter of the U.S. Institute of Peace, which Congress established in 1984 with President Reagan, to improve national security and global stability by reducing violent conflicts. We should always strive to mitigate conflict through diplomacy, but as an Army dad, I know we must also have the best funded, highly trained, and lethal fighting force on the planet. And we must be there for our troops when their service concludes.
District 16 - Democrat
Preston Nouri
Preston Nouri is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Erie
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Education: B.S. University of Pittsburgh, Summa Cum Laude
Qualifications: Legislative and Congressional Oversight, Department of Defense OUSD(A&S); Diplomatic Security, Department of State; Staff, U.S. House of Representatives
Contact: prestonforpa.com | www.instagram.com/preston4pa?igsh=bHN1bW5wcGlmZDBp&utm_source=qr | facebook.com/prestonforpa
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
The most pressing issues facing our nation are the same issues we sit down and talk about at the kitchen table. We continue to fall behind in Education standards, widespread accessible and affordable healthcare is anything but, and the family sustaining jobs are leaving our communities making inflation hurt even worse. We have an opportunity to invest in our community. I’ll stand steadfast in creating programs that help teachers furnish their classrooms so they’re not burdened with the costs while investing in vocational programs and after school programs. I’ll stand and fight for healthcare for all since healthcare is a human right. I’ll stand to protect our family sustaining jobs through legislation and protecting the union way of life.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
As we just experienced the most inefficient Congress in recent memory, there are many reforms that would help Congress function more effectively, but I would like to highlight two reforms I would particularly support. I would support campaign finance reform to make Congress a body that once again represents the American people instead of special interests. I would support mandatory deadlines to pass spending bills; this would end the practice of shutdown politics and focus on what Congress needs to do as a body.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I would support legislation that makes it easier for people to have access to the ballot and enshrines the right of all Americans to vote. A good example of the framework I would support would be the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. These cornerstone pieces of legislation have protected voters, and I would support similar pieces of legislation.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
The United States has a responsibility to address the challenges facing the international community as an ally, partner, and friend. Standing for human rights, ensuring justice, and supporting those in need are the tenet values the US stands to defend. With these guiding principles, we can assess each challenge the international community faces and address them properly.
District 16 - Republican
Mike Kelly
Mike Kelly is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Butler
Occupation: Legislator
Education: Notre Dame
Qualifications: Businessman
Contact: mikekellyforcongress.com | facebook.com/MikeKellyforCongress
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?
Economy, inflation/gas prices, lack of unity.
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax, voted in favor of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, bipartisan legislation that promotes the financial security of working families, boosts growth and American competitiveness, and strengthens communities and Main Street businesses.
What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?
Legislation should be one-issue legislation. For example, if a piece is introduced on a balanced budget, then it should only be in reference to the cuts being made to actually balance the budget. If a piece is being introduced on border security, then it should only contain policy related to the border.
What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?
I would support all legislation related that protect voting rights and encourage free and fair elections. Our men and women in the armed forces have fought to protect that right, and I believe all elected officials should do the same.
How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?
I believe that we have always been the first responders. And while, it’s the true testament to a Nation to have a strong defense, we also need to focus on our home turf. We can’t always be the first ones coming to aide (financially) another country when our own borders are at risk and our budget is spiraling.
District 17 - Democrat
Chris Deluzio
Chris Deluzio is running to represent Pennsylvania in Congress as a U.S. Representative.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Allegheny
Occupation: Attorney
Education: U.S. Naval Academy, Georgetown Law
Qualifications: Iraq War veteran, Voting rights attorney, union organizer
Contact: chrisforpa.com | facebook.com/ChrisforPA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 17 - Republican
Rob Mercuri
County: Allegheny
Contact: robmercuri.com | facebook.com/Mercuri4PA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.