Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti officially launched her general election campaign on Wednesday, appearing alongside Governor Josh Shapiro at the Avenue Restaurant and Catering in Wyoming just one day after the primary election. The high-profile campaign stop focused heavily on addressing regional economic issues and the broader challenges facing the Commonwealth, with a particular emphasis on expanding access to healthcare and combating rising costs for working families. During the event, Shapiro strongly voiced his support for Cognetti’s congressional run, telling the crowd inside that change is desperately needed in Washington and praising her integrity and independence.
The joint appearance highlighted the high stakes of the congressional race, drawing both enthusiastic supporters and vocal critics to the Luzerne County borough. While local Democrats gathered inside the restaurant to hear the candidates speak, counter-protesters lined up outside the venue to voice their opposition to the event and the campaign. Despite the pushback from political opponents outside, the campaign event marked a coordinated push by state Democrats to build early momentum for the upcoming November election.
