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D Democratic · U.S. House 8, Pennsylvania · Nov 3, 2026

Paige
Cognetti

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti is the 2026 Democratic challenger for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
31
positions
12
endorsements
24
paigeforpa.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)Instagram(opens in a new tab)
Opponent Rob Bresnahan Jr. R Compare race →

Background

Paige Cognetti is the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District in the November 3, 2026 general election, challenging incumbent Matt Bresnahan. The Federal Election Commission lists her as a challenger, not an incumbent in that race. 9 She has served as Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania since being sworn in on January 6, 2020, and won re-election to a full term in November 2021. 1

Before her mayoral tenure, Cognetti served as a Director on the Scranton School Board, securing that seat in 2017. 12 Prior to elected office, she advised the Pennsylvania Auditor General on oversight of public school districts and care for older adults, served as a senior advisor to the Treasury Department's Under Secretary for International Affairs during the Obama administration, worked as a fundraiser and project director on political campaigns, and was an investment advisor in New York City. 1

Cognetti holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in English Literature from the University of Oregon Clark Honors College, where she graduated summa cum laude. 1 She grew up in Beaverton, Oregon, and currently resides in Scranton, Pennsylvania. 1

At a glance

Party
Democratic
Running for
U.S. House · District 8, Pennsylvania
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania
Website
paigeforpa.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 29
    debate
    Scheduled WVIA debate between Cognetti and Bresnahan (upcoming as of Oct. 12)

    A 55-minute debate between Cognetti and Bresnahan is scheduled for October 29 at 7 p.m. on WVIA television and radio, with a live stream on WVIA's website and YouTube. The debate had not yet occurred as of October 12.

    Congressional contenders Bresnahan, Cognetti to debate ... · Sep 15, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 8
    news
    AP reports Cognetti raised ~$2M in Q2, outraising Bresnahan's ~$1M for the quarter

    An Associated Press report noted Cognetti raised about $2 million in the second quarter compared with roughly $1 million for Bresnahan, and finished the quarter with about $1 million more cash on hand, though Bresnahan had raised more over the full campaign cycle.

    Stock trades put Pennsylvania GOP seat in play, with ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 8
    news
    National reporting highlights Bresnahan's ~650 stock trades; Cognetti makes it a campaign issue

    AP reported that Bresnahan made about 650 individual stock, bond, and options trades in 2025 per his disclosures. Cognetti has incorporated congressional stock-trading restrictions into her anti-corruption campaign message.

    Stock trades put Pennsylvania GOP seat in play, with ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 7
    news
    Family Friendly Economy PAC spends $425,000 supporting Cognetti

    The Family Friendly Economy PAC was reported to have spent $425,000 in outside support for Cognetti's campaign in PA-08.

    Family Friendly Economy PAC Spends $5.3 Million ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 5
    news
    Giffords PAC commits $850,000 in advertising to support Cognetti in PA-08

    Giffords gun-safety PAC announced an $850,000 outside advertising investment in the PA-08 race, with reported ads criticizing Bresnahan's gun-related donations and votes.

    Giffords gun-safety PAC spends big on Cognetti campaign · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 2
    news
    Cognetti's economic message focuses on unions and reshoring manufacturing to NEPA

    Keystone Newsroom described Cognetti's economic platform as centered on strengthening unions, supporting the PRO Act, and bringing manufacturing—including defense manufacturing—back to northeastern Pennsylvania.

    What is Paige Cognetti's plan for jobs and the economy? · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 2
    endorsement
    Giffords PAC announces backing for Cognetti in PA-08 race

    Giffords PAC announced it was backing Cognetti along with eight other Pennsylvania candidates, signaling an outside-group investment in the PA-08 race.

    Giffords PAC backs 9 Pennsylvania candidates; spends ... - Yahoo · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Sep 29
    poll
    Sabato's Crystal Ball rates PA-08 race a Toss-up

    The race between Cognetti and Bresnahan was rated a Toss-up by Sabato's Crystal Ball, reflecting competitive conditions in the district.

    Pennsylvania 8th District Race 2026: Cognetti vs. Bresnahan · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Sep 21
    endorsement
    United Mine Workers of America endorses Cognetti's congressional campaign

    The UMWA endorsed Cognetti, citing her positions on workplace safety, wages, benefits, and support for the PRO Act. She also had backing from more than a dozen unions including the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and Pennsylvania State Education Association.

    UMWA endorses Paige Cognetti’s congressional campaign · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Sep 17
    endorsement
    End Citizens United endorses Cognetti as part of its 2026 slate

    End Citizens United listed Cognetti among its endorsed candidates in a memo highlighting anti-corruption Democrats in the 2026 primaries.

    MEMO: Unrig Washington Dominated 2026 Democratic Primaries · Sep 17, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Sep 16
    news
    Cognetti unveils anti-corruption agenda including congressional stock-trading ban and term limits

    The Caucus reported Cognetti released an anti-corruption platform proposing bans on congressional stock trading and corporate PAC donations, term limits, withholding lawmakers' pay during shutdowns, lobbying restrictions for former members, and a ban on prediction-market wagers by lawmakers.

    Cognetti Has a Plan to Take on Corruption in Washington Like ... · Sep 16, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Sep 15
    debate
    Bresnahan and Cognetti commit to WVIA televised debate scheduled for October 29

    Both candidates agreed to participate in a 55-minute debate hosted by WVIA, scheduled for October 29 at 7 p.m., to be broadcast live on WVIA television, radio, and streamed online.

    Congressional contenders Bresnahan, Cognetti to debate ... · Sep 15, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  13. Jul 15
    filing
    Cognetti campaign reports $3.4 million cash on hand in FEC filing

    A July 15 FEC filing covering April 30–June 30 showed Cognetti's campaign committee had $3,406,710 cash on hand with no debt, along with $1,507,168 in cycle-to-date receipts and $350,636 in cycle-to-date disbursements.

    Pennsylvania 8th District Race 2026: Cognetti vs. Bresnahan · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  14. Jun 8
    filing
    PA-08 primary results certified; Cognetti and Bresnahan confirmed as nominees

    The primary results were officially certified, confirming Cognetti as the Democratic nominee and Bresnahan as the Republican nominee for the November 3 general election.

    Pennsylvania 8th District Race 2026: Cognetti vs. Bresnahan · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  15. May 19
    filing
    Cognetti wins Democratic primary in PA-08 unopposed with 58,726 votes

    Paige Cognetti won the Democratic primary election unopposed. Results were later certified on June 8. Bresnahan also won his Republican primary unopposed, setting up the general election matchup.

    PA-8 — US House projection · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • UAW Lehigh Valley Northeast PA CAP Council union
    Listed as endorser in the Times-Tribune labor roundup (August 9, 2026); no individual endorsement date provided. thetimes-tribune.com
  • U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio official
    Listed as endorser on Cognetti's campaign endorsement page; no endorsement date provided. electpaigecognetti.com
  • Former U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright official
    Listed as endorser on Cognetti's campaign endorsement page; no endorsement date provided. electpaigecognetti.com
  • Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) union
    Endorsed in the week before the campaign's July 6, 2026 announcement; individual date not provided. paigeforpa.com
  • International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) union
    Endorsed in the week before the campaign's July 6, 2026 announcement; individual date not provided. paigeforpa.com
  • IUPAT District Council 21 union
    Listed as endorser in the Times-Tribune labor roundup (August 9, 2026); no individual endorsement date provided. thetimes-tribune.com
  • Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP) union
    Listed as endorser in the Times-Tribune labor roundup (August 9, 2026); no individual endorsement date provided. thetimes-tribune.com
  • Communications Workers of America (CWA) union
    Listed as endorser in the Times-Tribune labor roundup (August 9, 2026); no individual endorsement date provided. thetimes-tribune.com
  • Pennsylvania State Council of Machinists union
    Listed as endorser in the Times-Tribune labor roundup (August 9, 2026); no individual endorsement date provided. thetimes-tribune.com
  • Lt. Gov. Austin Davis official
    Listed as endorser on Cognetti's campaign endorsement page; no endorsement date provided. electpaigecognetti.com
  • American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union
    Endorsed in the week before the campaign's July 6, 2026 announcement; individual date not provided. paigeforpa.com
  • United Steelworkers (USW) union
    Endorsed in the week before the campaign's July 6, 2026 announcement; individual date not provided. paigeforpa.com
  • Ironworkers Local 404 union
    Listed as endorser in the Times-Tribune labor roundup (August 9, 2026); no individual endorsement date provided. thetimes-tribune.com
  • SEIU PA State Council union
    Listed as endorser in the Times-Tribune labor roundup (August 9, 2026); no individual endorsement date provided. thetimes-tribune.com
  • Pipefitters and Plumbers Local 524 union
    Listed as endorser in the Times-Tribune labor roundup (August 9, 2026); no individual endorsement date provided. thetimes-tribune.com
  • UFCW Local 1776 union
    Listed as endorser in the Times-Tribune labor roundup (August 9, 2026); no individual endorsement date provided. thetimes-tribune.com
  • GIFFORDS PAC organization
    Reported as supporting Cognetti's campaign; described as PAC spending and support rather than a formal endorsement announcement. yahoo.com · Oct 2, 2026
  • MoveOn organization
    MoveOn endorsed Cognetti for PA-08; endorsement page appeared September 21, 2026. front.moveon.org · Sep 21, 2026
  • United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) union
    Campaign announcement dated September 21, 2026. paigeforpa.com · Sep 21, 2026
  • Pennsylvania AFL-CIO union
    Campaign announcement dated July 23, 2026. paigeforpa.com · Jul 23, 2026
  • Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council (AFL-CIO affiliate) union
    Campaign announcement dated July 14, 2026. paigeforpa.com · Jul 14, 2026
  • Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) union
    Campaign announcement dated April 14, 2026. paigeforpa.com · Apr 14, 2026
  • EMILYs List organization
    EMILYs List candidate page supporting Cognetti posted February 26, 2026. emilyslist.org · Feb 26, 2026
  • Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pennsylvania) official
    Shapiro said, "I'm proud to endorse my friend." x.com · Feb 5, 2026

Campaign finance

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

Raised
$4.61M
Spent
$1.20M
Cash on hand
$3.41M

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6PA08293(opens in a new tab)

Sources 31

  1. [1] Stock trades put Pennsylvania GOP seat in play, with ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  2. [2] Family Friendly Economy PAC Spends $5.3 Million ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  3. [3] Coolbaugh Township Public-Education Voters Have a Clear Choice ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  4. [4] PA-8 — US House projection(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  5. [5] Giffords gun-safety PAC spends big on Cognetti campaign(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  6. [6] Giffords PAC backs 9 Pennsylvania candidates; spends ... - Yahoo(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  7. [7] What is Paige Cognetti's plan for jobs and the economy?(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  8. [8] Pennsylvania 8th District Race 2026: Cognetti vs. Bresnahan(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  9. [9] UMWA endorses Paige Cognetti’s congressional campaign(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  10. [10] Pa. election 2026: Where Bresnahan, Cognetti stand on tax ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
  11. [11] Paige Cognetti : MoveOn: People-Powered Progress(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  12. [12] United Mine Workers Endorse Paige Cognetti for Congress(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  13. [13] MEMO: Unrig Washington Dominated 2026 Democratic Primaries(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2026
  14. [14] Cognetti Has a Plan to Take on Corruption in Washington Like ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2026
  15. [15] Congressional contenders Bresnahan, Cognetti to debate ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 15, 2026
  16. [16] What is Paige Cognetti's platform on housing affordability? — Paige ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 12, 2026
  17. [17] A look at labor endorsements in the Bresnahan/Cognetti ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 9, 2026
  18. [18] Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Endorses Paige Cognetti ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 23, 2026
  19. [19] Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council – AFL-CIO Affiliate ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 14, 2026
  20. [20] Who has endorsed Paige Cognetti? — Paige Cognetti for Congress(opens in a new tab) Jul 8, 2026
  21. [21] Paige Cognetti Earns Groundswell Of Support From Labor ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 6, 2026
  22. [22] Scranton Continues Investments in Public Safety(opens in a new tab) Jun 26, 2026
  23. [23] Today is the four-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision. Everyone ...(opens in a new tab) Jun 24, 2026
  24. [24] Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) Union ...(opens in a new tab) Apr 14, 2026
  25. [25] Paige Cognetti - EMILYs List(opens in a new tab) Feb 26, 2026
  26. [26] Gov. Shapiro endorses Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti in ...(opens in a new tab) Feb 5, 2026
  27. [27] Paige Cognetti running in Josh Shapiro's footsteps in key ...(opens in a new tab) Jan 22, 2026
  28. [28] Paige Cognetti - Giffords Law Center(opens in a new tab) Nov 24, 2025
  29. [29] Home - Paige Cognetti For Congress(opens in a new tab) Aug 30, 2025
  30. [30] Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, Pennsylvania Elected Officials, Farmers, and Community Leaders Underscore Continued Need for Critical Federal Funding to Combat Climate Change - Climate Action Campaign(opens in a new tab) Oct 22, 2024
  31. [31] Scranton mayor presses Congress to naturalize ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 28, 2021
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