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R Republican · Incumbent · U.S. House 8, Pennsylvania · Nov 3, 2026

Rob
Bresnahan Jr.

Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. represents Pennsylvania's 8th District and is seeking re-election in 2026.

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
30
positions
12
endorsements
16
robforpa.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)YouTube(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)
Opponent Paige Cognetti D Compare race →

Background

Rob Bresnahan Jr. is a Republican U.S. Representative serving Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District in the 119th Congress, having taken office in January 2025. 12 He was born and raised in the Wyoming Valley of Northeastern Pennsylvania—more specifically in Kingston, Wyoming Borough, and Hughestown—and earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Scranton. 114

Before entering politics, Bresnahan built a career in his family's electrical contracting business, Kuharchik Construction, becoming its CEO in 2013 and growing the workforce to more than 150 employees. 1 He also founded a real-estate development group focused on projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1

Bresnahan has no prior elected offices on record before his 2024 election to Congress. 2 He is running for re-election in 2026, where he faces a Democratic challenger in what is considered a competitive district. 18

At a glance

Party
Republican · Incumbent
Running for
U.S. House · District 8, Pennsylvania
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District
Website
robforpa.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 debate between Bresnahan and Cognetti at WVIA (not yet occurred as of Oct. 12)

    A 55-minute televised debate between Bresnahan and Cognetti is scheduled for October 29 at 7 p.m. at WVIA's studio in Jenkins Township. As of October 12, the debate had not yet taken place.

    Bresnahan and Cognetti Agree to October Debate in High- ... · Sep 16, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 9
    poll
    Political analyst shifts PA House races toward Democrats; PA-08 remains competitive

    A political analyst shifted several Pennsylvania House races toward Democrats amid the competitive 2026 midterm environment. PA-08 (Bresnahan vs. Cognetti) remained rated as a toss-up by Cook Political Report as of early October.

    Political analyst shifts 3 Pa. House races toward Dems, including Perry-Stelson · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 7
    endorsement
    House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigns for Bresnahan in Hazleton; FOP and firefighters endorse him

    Speaker Johnson visited Hazleton to campaign for Bresnahan, calling PA-08 'one of the top 3 races in America' for House control. At the event, the Pennsylvania State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Firefighters publicly endorsed Bresnahan.

    House Speaker Johnson visits Hazleton in support of Bresnahan · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 7
    news
    Bresnahan holds housing roundtable with realtors and community leaders

    Bresnahan's House office reported he met with realtors, developers, educators and community leaders to discuss the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, addressing housing supply, zoning, permitting, affordable construction, home repairs and rental assistance.

    Bresnahan, Local Realtors, Community Leaders Hold ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 6
    news
    Bresnahan cosponsors bills to reform the prior authorization process

    Bresnahan announced he cosponsored legislation aimed at reforming the prior authorization process in health care.

    Rob Bresnahan Cosponsors Bills to Reform Prior ... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Sep 28
    news
    Bresnahan announces federal funding for local Head Start programs

    Bresnahan announced the securing of federal funding for local Head Start programs in his district.

    Rob Bresnahan Announces Funding for Local Head Start Programs · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Sep 25
    endorsement
    GIFFORDS PAC announces $850K advertising investment against Bresnahan in PA-08

    GIFFORDS PAC announced an $850,000 advertising investment against Rep. Bresnahan in PA-08 as part of its 2026 commitment to support gun-safety candidates. The group subsequently aired two ads criticizing Bresnahan.

    GIFFORDS PAC announces $850K investment against Rob Bresnahan in PA-08 · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Sep 17
    news
    Bresnahan joins Trump in executive order reversing federal 'rain tax' mandate

    Bresnahan publicly supported President Trump's executive order reversing a federal directive connected to Chesapeake Bay restoration requirements, saying the change would bring tax relief to his district, while noting it would not prevent state and local governments from imposing similar fees.

    Press Release: Rob Bresnahan Joins Trump in Executive Order Reversing Rain Tax Mandate | Stock News · Sep 17, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Sep 16
    debate
    Bresnahan and Cognetti agree to October 29 televised debate hosted by WVIA

    Both candidates agreed to a 55-minute televised debate hosted by WVIA Public Media, scheduled for 7 p.m. on October 29 at WVIA's studio in Jenkins Township, to be broadcast live on WVIA TV, radio, and online.

    Bresnahan and Cognetti Agree to October Debate in High- ... · Sep 16, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Jul 15
    filing
    Bresnahan Q2 FEC filing shows ~$437K raised, $2.6M cash on hand

    Bresnahan's Q2 report covering activity through June 30 showed approximately $437,200 raised during the quarter, $380,208 spent, and $2,608,048 cash on hand. Cycle-to-date receipts were about $714,963, trailing Cognetti's $3.4M cash on hand.

    Press Release: Rob Bresnahan Joins Trump in Executive Order Reversing Rain Tax Mandate | Stock News · Sep 17, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. May 1
    filing
    Bresnahan and Cognetti win their parties' nominations unopposed for PA-08

    Rob Bresnahan Jr. and Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti each won their respective party nominations unopposed in May 2026, setting up the November 3 general election contest in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

    Pennsylvania 8th District Race 2026: Cognetti vs. Bresnahan · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Hazleton City Firefighters, IAFF Local 507 union
    Campaign announcement dated October 9, 2026. robforpa.com · Oct 9, 2026
  • National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) organization
    Reported as an endorser by October 2, 2026; also noted as giving Bresnahan an 'A' grade. yahoo.com · Oct 2, 2026
  • National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 308 union
    Campaign announcement dated September 8, 2026. robforpa.com · Sep 8, 2026
  • Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters union
    Campaign announcement dated September 2, 2026. robforpa.com · Sep 2, 2026
  • Power City Lodge 18, Wyoming Valley Lodge 36, O'Rourke Memorial Lodge 38, Frank Albert Memorial Lodge 43, Paul Bickelman Memorial Lodge 46, Stroud Lodge 75, and Christina-Doherty Lodge 84 (Fraternal Order of Police), and Pennsylvania State Troopers Association organization
    Campaign's August 27, 2026 announcement of the seventh FOP lodge (Christina-Doherty Lodge 84) noted endorsements from all seven district FOP lodges and the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association. mcrwpa.org · Aug 27, 2026
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson official
    Said he 'fully endorsed' Bresnahan's reelection during a joint campaign stop in Wilkes-Barre, reported August 19, 2026. citizensvoice.com · Aug 19, 2026
  • American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and AFGE District 3 union
    Endorsement reported August 4, 2026. riverreporter.com · Aug 4, 2026
  • American Maritime Officers, International Organization of Masters Mates & Pilots, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, and Seafarers International Union union
    Four maritime unions announced a unified endorsement on July 31, 2026. robforpa.com · Jul 31, 2026
  • National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) organization
    Campaign announced the endorsement July 14, 2026; local coverage published August 4, 2026. riverreporter.com · Jul 14, 2026
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce organization
    Endorsed Bresnahan for reelection on July 1, 2026. uschamber.com · Jul 1, 2026
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Locals 163 and 1319; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542; Pennsylvania Laborers' District Council; LIUNA Locals 130, 158, 1174, and 1310; International Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen union
    Named in the May 6, 2026 endorsement roundup; individual announcement dates not provided. mcrwpa.org · May 6, 2026
  • Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and ATU Locals 164, 1119, and 168 union
    Listed among labor organizations supporting Bresnahan in a campaign endorsement roundup published May 6, 2026; individual announcement dates not provided. mcrwpa.org · May 6, 2026
  • Boilermakers Local 13 union
    Endorsement announcement published May 6, 2026. mcrwpa.org · May 6, 2026
  • Republican Jewish Coalition PAC organization
    Listed Bresnahan among its endorsed House incumbents in an announcement published March 12, 2026; also listed on RJC PAC website. sdjewishworld.com · Mar 12, 2026
  • Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen union
    Endorsement announced February 6, 2026, per NRCC report. nrcc.org · Feb 6, 2026
  • President Donald Trump official
    Listed as an endorser on Bresnahan's candidate profile; no specific endorsement date given. ivoterguide.com · Jan 1, 2026

Campaign finance

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

Raised
$5.23M
Spent
$2.68M
Cash on hand
$2.61M

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H4PA08124(opens in a new tab)

Sources 30

  1. [1] Political analyst shifts 3 Pa. House races toward Dems, including Perry-Stelson(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  2. [2] Rob Bresnahan Jr. — official campaign website(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  3. [3] Bresnahan, Local Realtors, Community Leaders Hold ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  4. [4] House Speaker Johnson visits Hazleton in support of Bresnahan(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  5. [5] Rob Bresnahan Cosponsors Bills to Reform Prior ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  6. [6] Giffords PAC backs 9 Pennsylvania candidates; spends ... - Yahoo(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  7. [7] Pennsylvania 8th District Race 2026: Cognetti vs. Bresnahan(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  8. [8] Rob Bresnahan Announces Funding for Local Head Start Programs(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  9. [9] Rob Bresnahan Jr.(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
  10. [10] GIFFORDS PAC announces $850K investment against Rob Bresnahan in PA-08(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
  11. [11] Press Release: Rob Bresnahan Joins Trump in Executive Order Reversing Rain Tax Mandate | Stock News(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2026
  12. [12] Bresnahan and Cognetti Agree to October Debate in High- ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2026
  13. [13] Bresnahan Earns Endorsement from 7th Fraternal Order ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 28, 2026
  14. [14] U.S. House Speaker Johnson visits Wilkes-Barre in support ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 19, 2026
  15. [15] Rob Bresnahan Said Washington Shouldn't Decide Abortion. Ninety-Three Days Later He Voted for a Federal Abortion Law.(opens in a new tab) Aug 11, 2026
  16. [16] Bresnahan campaign announces NFIB endorsement(opens in a new tab) Aug 4, 2026
  17. [17] Bresnahan endorsed by AFGE(opens in a new tab) Aug 4, 2026
  18. [18] Peter, Author at Rob for PA - Page 2 of 3(opens in a new tab) Jul 31, 2026
  19. [19] U.S. Chamber Endorses Rep. Rob Bresnahan for ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 1, 2026
  20. [20] Bresnahan Votes to Secure Border, Fund CBP and ICE(opens in a new tab) Jun 9, 2026
  21. [21] Rob Bresnahan Earns Endorsement from Boilermakers ...(opens in a new tab) May 6, 2026
  22. [22] Letter to the editor: Orwell Was Right: The Politics of Making Voting Harder | Times News Online(opens in a new tab) Mar 31, 2026
  23. [23] RJC endorses 16 congressional incumbents, including 4 Jews(opens in a new tab) Mar 12, 2026
  24. [24] ICYMI: Rob Bresnahan Earns Brotherhood of Railroad ...(opens in a new tab) Feb 6, 2026
  25. [25] Bresnahan Statement on Extension of ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits(opens in a new tab) Jan 8, 2026
  26. [26] Voting Record | Representative Rob Bresnahan - House.gov(opens in a new tab) Jan 3, 2025
  27. [27] Rob Bresnahan Jr. - Meet the Freshmen - Marathon Strategies(opens in a new tab) Nov 27, 2024
  28. [28] After backing public funds for private schools, Bresnahan ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 23, 2024
  29. [29] As a stalwart supporter of the second amendment, I wouldn't miss ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 15, 2024
  30. [30] News(opens in a new tab) Dec 6, 2023
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