Stelson, a former newscaster, challenged Representative Scott Perry in the last election. 

Former WGAL News 8 anchorwoman Janelle Stelson has launched a new bid for Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District seat in the House of Representatives. 

On Monday, Stelson issued a statement with her intent to run. She will be hosting a kick-off event with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to start the campaign. 

Stelson previously ran and lost to incumbent U.S. Representative Scott Perry, who is serving his seventh term in office.

“In the six months since Scott Perry began this term, he has been flooded with criticism for refusing to hold a town hall with his constituents,” Stelson said in a recent comment.

“I’m running to give Central Pennsylvanians the voice they deserve and to fight to lower costs, protect Social Security and Medicare, ensure a woman’s right to choose and secure the border,” she continued. 

In 2024, Stelson lost to Perry in one of the closest races in the country. She lost by only by slightly more than one percentage point. 

During that race, Stelson faced criticism for residing in Lancaster County. She pledged to move to the 10th Congressional District if she won the race. 

Now, Stelson has kept her Manheim Township home, but she rents a property in Cumberland County. Her staff did not say which municipality the rented property is in. 

Stelson has secured the support of Cumberland County Democratic Chairman Matt Roan and other Democratic leaders.

Stelson could face 2026 Democratic primary challengers. Dauphin County Commissioner Chairman Justin Douglas has expressed interest in a Congressional campaign. 

Earlier this year, Perry’s campaign aides confirmed he intends to seek an eighth term in office in 2026. 

Stelson said in a recent interview, “My 2024 campaign was focused on unseating Perry, not national party politics, and that will be my focus in this campaign as well. I think both parties would be more popular if they listened to what matters to everyday people who are sick and tired of career politicians and their paralyzing partisan politics.”

With the close 2024 race, Democrats are prioritizing the 10th Congressional District as a within-reach seat in 2026.