PITTSTON, PA — Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan and Democratic challenger Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti met Thursday evening at the WVIA Public Media Studios for their sole televised debate in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District race.
The hour-long forum featured sharp policy contrasts balanced by mutual civility before a live studio audience. Cognetti criticized special interest influence in Washington, rising healthcare and utility costs, and the national debt, while advocating for congressional term limits and campaign finance reform. Bresnahan emphasized his local roots and business background, voiced support for domestic energy production to lower utility and fuel expenses, and addressed immigration, federal spending, and the district's economic landscape.
The two candidates found unexpected common ground on foreign policy and campaign exhaustion, voicing shared support for Ukraine, opposing Russian oil imports, agreeing that local communities must have final authority over proposed data centers, and expressing mutual relief that the barrage of political ads will conclude with the Nov. 3 general election.
To watch the debate, CLICK HERE
How to watch it if you missed it
How to watch it if you missed it
