(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District is within a $50 million campaign launched in multiple midterm congressional elections by a national Democratic super PAC.
American Bridge 21st Century, describing itself as the largest research, video tracking, and rapid response organization in Democratic and progressive politics, made the announcement last week.
“Many Americans are angry that President Trump has betrayed them and we want them to share their stories,” said Bradley Beychok, cofounder of American Bridge 21st Century. “Working class voters are fed up with the cost, chaos and corruption. Our investment aims to seize this opportunity in traditionally Republican territory. We will expand the map early and often.”
The race for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in the nation. Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan is battling Scranton Democratic Mayor Paige Cognetti for the seat in northeast Pennsylvania.
In 2024, Bresnahan bested incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright by just over 6,000 votes, or just over 1.5%.
While the region has trended to the right in recent elections, national ratings outlets believe the race between Bresnahan and Cognetti should be a close one.
The Cook Political Report and Inside Election describe the race as a toss-up, while Sabato’s Crystal Ball says the race “leans” in Bresnahan’s favor.
American Bridge said that this investment is its largest midterm paid media effort to date for the organization.
The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting confirmation from American Bridge on how much would specifically be allocated for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District.
American Bridge said this campaign will feature “local storytellers sharing firsthand accounts of rising costs due to Trump’s tariffs and Iran War, healthcare challenges including rising costs and Medicaid cuts, and other economic pressures.”
Opposition research conducted by the political action committee will be featured on the ads, as well as highlighting candidates’ records supporting policies they say “have made it harder for families to afford basic necessities and access critical health care services.”
“Rob Bresnahan sold a blue-collar brand but governs like just another rich guy who profits from the swamp,” American Bridge writes about the GOP incumbent on their “Republicans We’re Watching page.”
American Bridge said in an effort to reach voters where they are, this specific initiative will use a mix of digital advertising, streaming television, streaming audio, social media, direct mail, and AM/FM radio.
In a release, the super PAC said this specific campaign is in addition to the “nearly 150 races in which American Bridge has been conducting ongoing opposition research ahead of elections in November.”
The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting confirmation from American Bridge as to if any of those races were also in Pennsylvania.
In addition to Bresnahan, U.S. Reps. Ryan Mackenzie, R-7th District, and Scott Perry, R-10th District, as well as State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who is attempting to unseat Gov. Josh Shapiro, are the Pennsylvania candidates listed on the “Republicans We’re Watching” page.
