Former news anchor Janelle Stelson to challenge Republican Congressman Scott Perry in Pennsylvania

Former local news anchor Janelle Stelson has emerged victorious in the Democratic primary to challenge Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) in the upcoming November election, as reported by Decision Desk HQ.

Stelson, who previously worked as a news anchor for WGAL-TV 8, defeated five other Democratic contenders in a competitive race to secure the opportunity to face Perry in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. Interestingly, Stelson was once affiliated with the Republican party, as per Pennsylvania Capital-Star, and currently resides outside the district, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Noteworthy endorsements for Stelson’s campaign include support from the campaign arm of the center-left New Democrat Coalition, EMILY’s List, and the United Mine Workers of America.

Among the prominent challengers Stelson faced was Mike O’Brien, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, who garnered endorsements from Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and former Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Pa.). O’Brien also received backing from organizations like Teamsters Local 776 in Harrisburg, the largest union office in the state.

Rep. Scott Perry, seeking a seventh term in Congress, faced criticism during the Democratic primary for his involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Perry was among the 147 Republicans who objected to the presidential election results. Additionally, Perry was subpoenaed by the House select committee investigating the Capitol attack, but he declined to comply with the panel’s request.

Despite the challenges, Perry’s seat is considered “lean Republican” by the nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report, as he narrowly secured victory in the district by 4 percentage points in the 2020 election. Federal prosecutors involved in special counsel Jack Smith’s probe into the 2020 election were granted access to Perry’s correspondence following a court ruling in December.