Janelle Stelson Challenges Scott Perry Again for Pennsylvania’s 10th District

This story first appeared in The Keystone

Janelle Stelson Leaves TV Career to Challenge Rep. Scott Perry Again

Democrat Janelle Stelson is stepping away from a distinguished 30-year career as an Emmy-award-winning television anchor, aiming to make a difference in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District by challenging Rep. Scott Perry, a known ally of former President Donald Trump.

Stelson narrowly missed unseating Perry in 2024, garnering 49.2% of the vote compared to Perry’s 50.9%. As Pennsylvanians navigate the economic pressures under the Trump administration, she anticipates another campaign against Perry to address these issues.

Economic Concerns and Accessibility Issues

Stelson frequently encounters constituents struggling with the elevated prices of essentials such as gas, groceries, and housing, which she attributes to the Trump administration’s tariff policies.

“People often ask me, ‘Janelle, what do you care about?’ My response is that I stand in stark contrast to Scott Perry,” she explained.

She also highlighted concerns over Perry’s active role in Trump’s 2020 election fraud claims. The New York Times described Perry as a “ringleader” in efforts to dispute President Joe Biden’s victory, noting Perry’s involvement in discussions with other Republican leaders about advancing unsubstantiated election fraud allegations.

Stelson noted frustration among Pennsylvanians regarding Perry’s accessibility, pointing out his absence from town hall meetings since 2019 and an incident where he locked constituents out of his office when they attempted to deliver letters.

Policy Criticisms

Stelson has positioned herself as a voice for those seeking change, criticizing Perry for his vote on Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which she claims has led to millions of Americans, including 310,000 Pennsylvanians, losing Medicaid coverage.

She further criticized Perry for his vote against extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, resulting in rising health insurance premiums in the state. “Voters tell me daily that a 200% or 300% increase in healthcare costs is untenable, especially with overall rising prices,” she stated.

Stelson advocates for the federal government to negotiate a broader range of prescription drugs to reduce costs for Americans, expressing a desire to eliminate age restrictions on some negotiated medications.

Small Business and International Policy

Discussing small businesses, Stelson emphasized their importance as the economy’s backbone, recounting her conversation with Angel Fox, who owns Fox’s Laundromat in Harrisburg. Fox has had to adapt her business practices due to tariff taxes impacting her costs.

Meanwhile, Perry has blamed Democrats for overlooking inflation, despite Republican control of the federal government.

Stelson also voiced voter concerns over Perry’s support for costly international policies, including military actions in Iran and other ventures like the suggested Greenland purchase.

Campaign and Reforms

As she readies for the Democratic primary on May 19 against fellow Democrat Justin Douglas, Stelson has unveiled her reform agenda aimed at tackling corruption in Washington, DC:

• Propose a 12-year term limit for Congress members to prevent career politicians.
• Introduce age limits for Congressional service.
• Push for the release of the full Epstein files.
• Eliminate luxury perks like first-class flights for Congress members.
• Restrict presidential pardoning powers.
• Ban Congress members and their families from trading individual stocks to prevent profiteering from insider knowledge.
• Prohibit elected officials from betting in prediction markets.
• Advocate for a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC decision.