This story first appeared in The Keystone
Janelle Stelson Leaves Broadcast Career to Run for Congress Against Scott Perry
Janelle Stelson, a former Emmy-award-winning TV anchor, has decided to step into the political arena by challenging Rep. Scott Perry for Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District seat. Stelson, who was narrowly defeated by Perry in 2024 with 49.2% of the vote to Perry’s 50.9%, is determined to take another shot at the position, driven by her commitment to improving the lives of Pennsylvanians.
Economic Concerns and Tariff Policies
The Democrat points to the struggles constituents face with rising costs of living, including expenses for gas, groceries, and housing. She attributes this affordability crisis to the tariff policies implemented during the Trump administration. Stelson emphasizes her intent to offer a different approach than her opponent, saying, “People are always like, ‘Janelle, what do you care about?’ Well, what I care about is to show you that I’m 180 degrees from Scott Perry.”
Perry’s Role in 2020 Election Controversies
Stelson highlights concerns among voters regarding Perry’s involvement in efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election results. The New York Times reported Perry’s role as a “ringleader” in supporting former President Donald Trump’s claims of election fraud, based on unsealed communications between Perry and other Republican figures.
Accessibility and Voter Engagement
Criticism of Perry also includes his accessibility to constituents. Stelson notes the lack of town hall meetings since 2019 and an incident where Perry reportedly locked constituents out of his office in January as they attempted to deliver letters.
Health Care and Economic Policies
Stelson argues that Perry’s voting record has negatively impacted health care access, citing his support for Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” which led to Medicaid cuts affecting 310,000 Pennsylvanians. She also criticizes Perry for opposing the extension of federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, leading to rising insurance premiums.
“That’s really a problem and voters tell me every day that they can’t handle a 200% or 300% increase in their health care costs,” Stelson remarked. She advocates for negotiating more prescription drug prices and removing age restrictions on certain drugs.
Small Businesses and Tariff Impacts
Stelson has engaged with small business owners affected by tariff taxes. She highlights the challenges faced by Angel Fox, owner of Fox’s Laundromat in Harrisburg, who has had to change her business practices to remain competitive.
Foreign Policy and National Concerns
Stelson also voices voter dissatisfaction with Perry’s support for Trump’s actions abroad, including the financial implications of military engagements and international bailouts. She expresses concern over national security and the potential for increased terror threats in the United States.
Advocating for Bipartisan Solutions
Stelson calls for ending partisan divisions, stressing the importance of cooperative efforts to tackle pressing issues. “Bickering is ridiculous. People want things to be done. When things cost too much, let’s get to work. Let’s reach across the aisle and behave like Americans and take care of our problems.”
Stelson’s Agenda Against Corruption
As she prepares for the Democratic primary on May 19 against fellow Democrat Justin Douglas, Stelson presents her plan to combat corruption in Washington, D.C.:
- Limit Congress members to 12-year terms. “We do not need more career politicians.”
- Set an age limit for members of Congress.
- Release the full Epstein files.
- Eliminate luxury perks like first-class flights for Congress members.
- Restrict the president’s pardoning power.
- Ban congressional members and families from trading individual stocks to prevent insider trading profits.
- Prohibit elected officials and executive branch employees from participating in prediction markets.
- Pass a constitutional amendment to reverse the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC decision, which allows unlimited election spending by corporations and wealthy individuals.
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