MOOSIC, LACKAWANNA COUNTY — Former U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright made it official Thursday: he will not seek to reclaim the congressional seat he lost in 2024 to Republican newcomer Rob Bresnahan Jr.
Speaking outside the Greenwood Hose Company on Birney Avenue in Moosic, Cartwright reflected on his time in office.
“I worked 80-hour weeks at this job for 12 years,” Cartwright said. “I’ve decided it’s time to give it a rest and give the chance to someone else.”
His announcement puts to rest weeks of speculation and opens the door for a wave of potential Democratic contenders. Among the names being discussed: State Representative Bridget Kosierowski, Pittston Mayor Mike Lombardo, State Senator Marty Flynn, and Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti.
Cartwright, a Democrat, had represented Northeast Pennsylvania in Congress since 2013 before being unseated in the 2024 election