The race for Pennsylvania’s open senate seat is heating up, and there are over 30 candidates currently running. Republican candidate and TV celebrity doctor, Mehmet Oz made a campaign stop in Lackawanna County today.
Dr Oz made his largest campaign stop so far tonight at Arcaro and Genell’s in Old Forge and he said he absolutely loved the pizza. He was greeted by a crowd of about 200 people and his speech was focused on empowerment and improving what he says Washington got wrong.
"How many people think Washington got it wrong with COVID, with our jobs, with inflation," asked Dr. Oz to a cheering crowd.
“I’ll stand up for the values that I have, and I’ll fight for them aggressively," said Oz.
The values he emphasized tonight were empowerment and individualism.
“The best person to make a decision in your life is you, and you always. Government can help sometimes if we're fighting a war but I don't want them involved in micromanaging my life or your life because they can't do it. It's not about would that be nice. They just can't do it, and they proved it during COVID," said Oz.
Oz is currently campaigning against at 14 other Republican candidates including Carla Sands who served as an ambassador to Denmark during the Trump administration, and 13 Democratic candidates including Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman. Fetterman was in Scranton in November to join the Scranton Federation of Teachers on the picket line.
“I was proud to walk the line with them and they were fighting for a better wages. They were fighting for the Union way of life in a fair contract. They were fighting for affordable health care. They were fighting for the best public education possible for our children. And it really is just this idea of working people and communities just like Scranton," said Fetterman.
The primary election in Pennsylvania is May 17 which will be followed by the general election on Nov. 8.
During the event Dr. Oz addressed questions regarding his residency. He says he has lived in PA for a good portion of his life and has done a lot of work in the state including running many free clinics. We’re told Oz will return to the area for more campaign events.