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D Democratic · U.S. House 10, Pennsylvania · Nov 3, 2026

Janelle
Stelson

Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson, a former 26-year WGAL news anchor, makes her second bid for Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District seat in 2026.

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
24
positions
10
endorsements
39
janellestelson.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)Instagram(opens in a new tab)
Opponents Scott G. Perry R+ 1 more Compare race →

Background

Janelle Stelson is the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District in the November 2026 general election, challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Representative Scott Perry. She is making her second consecutive bid for the seat, having also been the Democratic nominee in 2024. 12

Before entering politics, Stelson spent nearly four decades in broadcast journalism, including 26 years as a news anchor at Lancaster-area station WGAL. She left television news to run for Congress and has leaned heavily on her journalism background throughout her campaigns. 1

Stelson earned a bachelor's degree in politics and government from the University of Puget Sound and studied at the Austro-American Institute in Vienna. She was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and grew up in Seattle; her campaign is centered on Central Pennsylvania. 1

During the 2026 campaign, Stelson drew national attention after the Department of Homeland Security alleged her campaign had hired an undocumented immigrant — an allegation she publicly rejected. She also pressed incumbent Scott Perry on Social Security policy in the closing weeks of the race. 141516

At a glance

Party
Democratic
Running for
U.S. House · District 10, Pennsylvania
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Website
janellestelson.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Oct 14
    debate
    Perry–Stelson debate scheduled for 8 p.m. on ABC27

    ABC27 announced a debate between Scott Perry and Janelle Stelson scheduled for October 14 at 8 p.m. The station described it as their only public face-off before Election Day. As of October 12, the debate had not yet taken place.

    Pennsylvania 10th District race: How to watch Janelle Stelson, Scott Perry debate · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 11
    news
    Reporting compares Perry and Stelson stances on campaign finance reform

    Times Leader published a comparison of where Perry and Stelson stand on campaign finance reform and anti-corruption policies, reflecting the prominence of those issues in the PA-10 race's final stretch.

    Election 2026: Where Perry, Stelson stand on campaign ... · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 10
    poll
    Poll shows Stelson in striking distance of flipping GOP-held PA-10 seat amid DHS controversy

    Newsweek and Yahoo News reported that Stelson remained in striking distance of defeating Perry, with polling indicating a tight race even as the DHS controversy over the canvasser allegation played out in the closing weeks of the campaign.

    Janelle Stelson in striking distance of flipping GOP seat amid DHS attack · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 9
    news
    Spotlight PA reports Stelson's anti-corruption platform details

    Spotlight PA published a comparison of Perry's and Stelson's anti-corruption stances, reporting that Stelson's proposals include strengthening the Federal Election Commission, reversing Citizens United through a constitutional amendment, and curbing dark money in campaigns.

    Election 2026: Where Perry, Stelson stand on anti-corruption issues · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 8
    news
    Third-quarter fundraising: Stelson raised $2.3M, holds $2.5M cash on hand

    Roll Call reported that Stelson raised $2.3 million in the third quarter and had $2.5 million cash on hand at the end of September, keeping her financially competitive against Perry heading into the final weeks of the race.

    Pa. Democrat rejects DHS allegation her campaign hired ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 6
    endorsement
    House Speaker Mike Johnson stumps for Perry in Dauphin County

    House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned for Rep. Scott Perry in Dauphin County on October 6, providing a high-profile boost for Perry in the competitive PA-10 race ahead of Election Day.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson stumps for Perry in Dauphin ... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 1
    news
    ICE takes canvasser Igbojekwe into custody

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement took Chimaobim Adedayo Igbojekwe into custody on October 1, days after his September 27 arrest by local police. DHS would later allege he had worked for Stelson's campaign, a claim the campaign denied.

    DHS targets Democratic campaign after ICE arrest in ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Sep 27
    news
    Bipartisanship messaging takes center stage in PA-10 race

    Reporting noted that bipartisan appeal had become a central theme in Pennsylvania's 10th District race as of late September, with both campaigns seeking to attract crossover voters.

    Bipartisanship takes center stage in Pennsylvania’s 10th District race · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Sep 24
    news
    Stelson raises roughly $6.36 million through second-quarter fundraising

    Inside Political Money reported that Stelson's second-quarter receipts through June 30 totaled approximately $6.36 million, underscoring the financial competitiveness of the PA-10 race.

    Democrats’ Blue-Collar Pitch Faces a Money Test in Pennsylvania · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Sep 24
    poll
    F&M poll shows Stelson leading Perry 47%–44% among registered voters

    A Franklin & Marshall College poll conducted September 9–20 and released September 24 put Stelson ahead of Rep. Scott Perry 47% to 44% among PA-10 registered voters, with 9% undecided. The district sample was 390 with a ±5.7 percentage point margin of error, meaning the result was within the stated margin. Stelson's campaign attributed Perry's deficit to his votes on Iran and tariffs; Perry said the November election would be the poll that mattered.

    F&M Poll: Economic Concerns Shape Voter Attitudes in Pa. ... · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Sep 16
    news
    LancasterOnline compares Perry and Stelson stances on taxes and affordability

    LancasterOnline published a policy comparison showing Stelson supports repealing Trump's tariffs, middle-class tax relief, and permanently exempting tips and overtime pay from federal taxes. The article was later updated on October 6.

    Pa. election 2026: Where Perry, Stelson stand on tax policies ... · Sep 16, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Jul 1, 2025
    news
    Stelson announces second run for PA-10; Gov. Shapiro endorses her

    Janelle Stelson announced her candidacy for Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District, her second bid against Rep. Scott Perry. Governor Josh Shapiro endorsed her shortly after the announcement, according to reporting reviewed by The Center Square and WGAL.

    Stelson holds slight lead over Perry in latest F&M poll | Pennsylvania · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro official
    Endorsed Stelson after she launched her 2026 campaign; listed on campaign endorsement page without a specific date. Mentioned in City & State PA (May 13, 2026). cityandstatepa.com
  • Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis official
    Listed as supporter on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • State Sen. Patty Kim official
    Listed as supporter on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • State Rep. Nate Davidson official
    Listed as supporter on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • State Rep. Justin Fleming official
    Listed as supporter on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans official
    Listed as supporter on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • State Rep. Dave Madsen official
    Listed as supporter on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • National Education Association union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • Pennsylvania Laborers' District Council union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • International Association of Machinists union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • International Brotherhood of Boilermakers union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • TWU Local 234 union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • Former Republican U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock official
    Listed by the Stelson campaign among 'Republicans for Janelle'; no date given. janellestelson.com
  • Former Republican U.S. Rep. Denver Riggleman official
    Listed by the Stelson campaign among 'Republicans for Janelle'; no date given. janellestelson.com
  • Former Pennsylvania Attorney General Walter Cohen official
    Listed by the Stelson campaign among 'Republicans for Janelle'; no date given. janellestelson.com
  • Carlisle Mayor Sean Shultz official
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page among local officials; no date given. janellestelson.com
  • Cumberland County Commissioner Jean Foschi official
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page among local officials; no date given. janellestelson.com
  • York City School Board President Lisa Kennedy official
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no date given. janellestelson.com
  • EMILYs List organization
    Endorsed Stelson for the 2026 election; endorsement archive lists the announcement but accessible entry does not show a release date. emilyslist.org
  • NewDems Action Fund organization
    Listed as endorser on Stelson's campaign page; no date given. janellestelson.com
  • Elect Democratic Women organization
    Listed as endorser on Stelson's campaign page; no date given. janellestelson.com
  • WELCOME PAC organization
    Listed as endorser on Stelson's campaign page; no date given. janellestelson.com
  • United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • United Mine Workers of America union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • UFCW Local 1776 union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • United Steelworkers District 10 union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • Central Pennsylvania Trades union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • IUOE Local 542 union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 520 union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • Amalgamated Transit Union union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • IBEW Local 229 union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • Painters and Allied Trades International Union, District Council 21 union
    Listed on Stelson's campaign endorsement page; no individual date given. janellestelson.com
  • MoveOn organization
    MoveOn candidate endorsement page endorses Stelson for PA-10; page search listing dated September 21, 2026. front.moveon.org · Sep 21, 2026
  • CWA District 2-13 / CWA-AFL union
    CWA's Pennsylvania endorsement list identifies Stelson as endorsed for PA-10; page dated September 17, 2026. cwad2-13.org · Sep 17, 2026
  • Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas official
    Endorsed Stelson on August 26, 2026, after opposing her in the Democratic primary, per PennLive. pennlive.com · Aug 26, 2026
  • Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters union
    Announced endorsement on August 17, 2026. teamster.org · Aug 17, 2026
  • American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union
    Announced endorsement on May 6, 2026. afge.org · May 6, 2026

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$8.69M
Spent
$6.19M
Cash on hand
$2.52M

As of Sep 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H4PA10104(opens in a new tab)

Sources 24

  1. [1] Election 2026: Where Perry, Stelson stand on campaign ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
  2. [2] Janelle Stelson in striking distance of flipping GOP seat amid DHS attack(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  3. [3] Election 2026: Where Perry, Stelson stand on anti-corruption issues(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  4. [4] DHS targets Democratic campaign after ICE arrest in ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  5. [5] Pa. Democrat rejects DHS allegation her campaign hired ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  6. [6] Pennsylvania 10th District race: How to watch Janelle Stelson, Scott Perry debate(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  7. [7] House Speaker Mike Johnson stumps for Perry in Dauphin ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  8. [8] Priorities · Janelle Stelson for Congress(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  9. [9] News Archive - Page 57 of 287(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  10. [10] A Q&A with Janelle Stelson(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
  11. [11] Stelson holds slight lead over Perry in latest F&M poll | Pennsylvania(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  12. [12] Bipartisanship takes center stage in Pennsylvania’s 10th District race(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
  13. [13] Democrats’ Blue-Collar Pitch Faces a Money Test in Pennsylvania(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  14. [14] F&M Poll: Economic Concerns Shape Voter Attitudes in Pa. ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  15. [15] Janelle Stelson : MoveOn: People-Powered Progress(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  16. [16] 2026 Pennsylvania Election Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2026
  17. [17] Pa. election 2026: Where Perry, Stelson stand on tax policies ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2026
  18. [18] ‘The choice before us matters', Dauphin County commissioner endorses Stelson in race against Perry(opens in a new tab) Aug 26, 2026
  19. [19] Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters Announce 2026 ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 17, 2026
  20. [20] Janelle-Stelson-Lowering-Housing-Costs-Priorities(opens in a new tab) Aug 15, 2026
  21. [21] Janelle Stelson works toward a November rematch with Scott Perry(opens in a new tab) May 13, 2026
  22. [22] AFGE Endorses Pennsylvania's Sharif Street and Janelle ...(opens in a new tab) May 6, 2026
  23. [23] Endorsements - Janelle Stelson for Congress(opens in a new tab) Jul 13, 2025
  24. [24] Priorities - Janelle Stelson for Congress(opens in a new tab) Jul 11, 2025
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