Stelson and Perry Set for Another Close Finish in PA-10

In a rematch of a 2024 race that was decided by just over 1% of the vote, Democrat Janelle Stelson is once again looking to unseat seven-term GOP Rep. Scott Perry in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. And in the latest poll from Susquehanna Polling and Research, the incumbent trails by 3 points: 49 percent to 46 percent. 

The Caucus has ranked the race a toss-up. And with President Trump’s popularity at an all-time low, Perry’s staunch support of the president may affect his chances for an eighth term. Trump flipped Pennsylvania in the 2024 presidential election, but carried the conservative 10th district by just 5 points.

Perry has largely dismissed questions about whether his ties to Trump are a liability. “I speak for myself. I don’t speak for him, and he doesn’t speak for me,” Perry told The Associated Press earlier this month.

In addition to voting to support Trump’s tariffs, Perry voted in favor of the president’s so-called “big beautiful bill” in 2025. He was also among the House Republicans who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election, as Trump attempted to overturn Joe Biden’s victory. Perry’s cellphone was later seized by the FBI as part of its investigation into the Jan. 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. He was ultimately not charged with a crime in that investigation, and has denied seeking a presidential pardon.

Stelson, who was a registered Republican before launching her 2024 campaign, has portrayed herself as a moderate Democrat. Stelson says she supports the Second Amendment and doesn’t believe transgender athletes should play  in women’s sports. During her 2024 campaign, Stelson said she was on air when news broke that Roe v. Wade had been overturned, and had to report the news live. She said she would fight to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade if elected.

The most recent fundraising records show Stelson continues to outpace Perry. According to campaign finance records released earlier this month, Stelson raised $2.32 million from the beginning of July to the end of September, while Perry raised $1.26 million. 

The two sparred at their one and only debate on Oct. 14, with Perry calling Stelson “incompetent” and Stelson criticizing the incumbent for his voting record and support of the Iran war. Perry defended his record, saying he had delivered results, voting “for the largest tax cut in American history.”

During her closing statement, Stelson said the contrast between them was clear. 

“You can vote for somebody who for 14 years has been doing exactly what you have now, or you can vote for somebody who’s telling the truth, who will work every day to make your life better.”