Scott Perry

Democrat Janelle Stelson did not shy away from direct attacks on incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a Republican, in her first public appearance since her Tuesday primary win.

“Corruption has a price tag,” Stelson said. “When you follow Scott Perry’s money, it does not lead back here to central Pennsylvania.”

The two are set for a rematch of the 10th Congressional district race two years ago, which Perry narrowly won. Perry, a Republican, is seeking his eighth term in the House and ran in the GOP primary unopposed.

“The story of Scott Perry just keeps getting worse. Between last time and this time its a heck of a lot worse,” Stelson said. “I want people to look at exactly what he’s done while he sends the money everywhere else instead of taking care of us.”

Stelson spoke at a press conference in front of a gas station in Harrisburg. She focused on affordability, and brought up the fact that Perry approved loaning $40 million to Argentina while calling for Affordable Care Act subsidies to end.

Three voters spoke at the event, including two veterans who expressed anger at Perry’s vote against the Housing our Military Veterans Effectively (HOME) Act of 2023. Perry was the lone no vote from the Pennsylvania House delegation.

He also voted against the Honoring our PACT Act, which expands healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic substances. Veteran Binay Luitel, who spoke at the press conference, brought up audio of Perry saying Democrat veterans “hate the military.”

“For me, this became personal, because when you insult the integrity of veterans, you insult service, sacrifice and commitment that so many of us give to this country,” Lutiel said.

Speakers also referred to Perry as a “career politician.” Stelson said she heard from constituents about what they actually want during her 27-year career as a news anchor at WGAL News 8, the regional NBC affiliate.

Stelson also highlighted the ongoing war in Iran, and said she believes the war has gone beyond emergency powers and the president should bring it to Congress for a vote.

“I feel all the time that we are operating at the president’s whim and that’s not the way the law is set up,” she said.

After her primary victory Tuesday night, Perry went on the attack, saying in a statement:

“The difference between me and Janelle Stelson couldn’t be clearer. I’ve lowered the tax burden on hardworking central Pennsylvanians, while my opponent has promised to make you pay more. I’ve been invested in the 10th District’s future for decades, while my opponent refuses to commit to even buying a property here to call our district home. And while I’ve always been up front about where I stand, my opponent has bobbed, weaved, and refused to discuss the issues even with members of her own party.”

Stelson resoundingly defeated her primary opponent, Dauphin County Democrat Justin Douglas, on Tuesday night. Unofficial election results show Stelson with 67.5% of the vote.

Stelson refused to debate Douglas in the primary, saying she was focused on beating Perry in the general election.

Stelson said she will debate Perry and that she looks forward to it. She also had a message for those who voted for Douglas:

“We’re here. We gotta take Scott Perry out. Let’s get on board and do it,” Stelson said.

Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional district is comprised of Dauphin County, most of Cumberland County and the northern half of York County.