Cognetti upsets Bresnahan, makes history

Paige Cognetti made history Tuesday night, becoming the first woman elected to represent Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District as she defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. in the 2026 midterm election. The Scranton mayor’s victory marks a significant milestone for women in Northeastern Pennsylvania politics, bringing a new representative to a district that includes Wilkes-Barre and surrounding communities.

Thaelis Andujar Supporters gathered at the Paige Cognetti for PA election night event to celebrate the Democratic candidate’s victory, which ended a lengthy campaign centered on representation, government accountability and the needs of Northeastern Pennsylvania residents. Cognetti’s win also carries significance for women across the region, particularly those who have historically seen fewer opportunities to hold positions in federal government.

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, who introduced Cognetti during the election night event, expressed his gratitude toward the supporters who helped make the victory possible. Casey acknowledged the crowd’s role in the campaign and the significance of the evening.

“I am so grateful to look into this audience, and to see so many people who have made this night possible,” Casey said.

For Brittany Stephenson, a Luzerne County resident who described herself as the first Black woman elected in the county, Cognetti’s victory represents an important step forward for women in politics.

“I think that is absolutely phenomenal. I think it’s so huge,” Stephenson said. “To see a woman in Congress is phenomenal for the state of Pennsylvania.”

Stephenson said Cognetti’s election could inspire others to pursue elected office, particularly women who may not have previously considered running.

“That is just inspiration for so many others who are going to be going into elected roles and making the choice to run because they saw a woman do it,” Stephenson said.

Cognetti, who has served as Scranton’s mayor since 2020, addressed supporters during the watch party, reflecting on the campaign and the importance of representing the region. She acknowledged the lengthy effort required to secure the victory and thanked those who supported her throughout the election.

“This has been a long, long campaign, so my goodness, does it feel good tonight,” Cognetti said.

Cognetti also referenced the district’s previous representation under former Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright, who served for 12 years before losing to Bresnahan in 2024.

“We had good representation before. We had Congressman Cartwright for 12 years,” Cognetti said. “So I promise you that I will do the job the way it is supposed to be done.”

Thaelis Andujar Her remarks emphasized public service as a responsibility to constituents rather than a political position. Cognetti said the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania deserve representation that prioritizes their needs and works toward meaningful results.

“The public service really, really is about you,” Cognetti said.

Throughout her speech, Cognetti highlighted concerns she encountered while campaigning, including health care access, Social Security and federal funding for medical research. She recalled speaking with a resident living with Parkinson’s disease who credited federally funded research with extending his life.

Cognetti expressed concern about the potential consequences of federal funding reductions, particularly for individuals and families who depend on government-supported programs.

She also referenced conversations with residents worried about health insurance coverage for family members with special needs and individuals concerned about their Social Security benefits.

“We can’t wait to solve these problems,” Cognetti said. “We can’t wait until the very last minute, and we can’t play politics with these decisions.”

Cognetti said residents are seeking changes in government and expect elected officials to deliver results. She acknowledged the challenges ahead while expressing confidence in the public’s desire for change.

“The American people are begging, and begging, and begging for reform, they are begging for results, and that is what we’re gonna get,” Cognetti said.

The election also brought Northeastern Pennsylvania voters together throughout Election Day, with attendees describing their experiences casting ballots before the results were announced.

Voters Kelsey Sosa and Lara Morbilla attended the watch party to support Cognetti.

Sosa said she voted early in the morning, around 7:30 a.m., describing the process as smooth.

Morbilla also reported a straightforward voting experience, explaining that he went to his polling location after work with Sosa.

“It went really smoothly,” Morbilla said. “I was in there for probably like 10 minutes at most.”

Their experiences reflected the participation of local voters during an election that could shape the region’s representation in Washington.

Cognetti’s victory places her among the women serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and represents a historic moment for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District. Her election also follows her previous achievement of becoming Scranton’s first woman mayor in 2019.

As Cognetti prepares to transition from city government to Congress, her victory represents more than a change in political leadership. For supporters at the election event, the election demonstrated the importance of representation and the possibility of women continuing to break barriers in public office.

Cognetti closed her speech by thanking the community that supported her campaign, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the region.

“You guys are my community, and I’m so grateful that we’re in this together,” Cognetti said.

Cognetti upsets Bresnahan, makes history

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