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Democratic congressional candidate Paige Cognetti is facing criticism over an apparent shift in her stance on border security as she campaigns to unseat Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan in a highly competitive Pennsylvania House race this November.
Cognetti, who has served as mayor of Scranton since 2020, recently described former President Joe Biden’s handling of the southern border as “a huge misstep” and “really terrible” during a March podcast appearance. However, critics point out that she did not publicly criticize the Biden administration’s border policies during Biden’s presidency.
The race for Pennsylvania’s Northeastern congressional district is expected to be one of the most closely watched House contests this year. Scranton, notably Biden’s hometown, sits at the center of this political battleground where border security has become a defining issue.
Cognetti’s recent criticism of Biden reflects a broader trend among Democrats who have pivoted toward tougher stances on border security following the party’s messaging struggles in 2024. This shift comes as many Democratic candidates in competitive districts seek to distance themselves from unpopular aspects of Biden’s presidency.
Public records show a more complex picture of Cognetti’s position on immigration during Biden’s term. In September 2021, she called for “better control at our borders” in a local interview but did not directly blame the Biden administration for border issues. By August 2023, she co-signed a letter with other Pennsylvania mayors that appeared to endorse the administration’s border approach.
“You are working to bring more order to the southern border with a combination of strategies,” the mayors wrote to Biden. The letter also noted that Biden had “rightfully promised” to link border security with pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already in the United States.
A spokesperson for Cognetti defended her record, stating the mayor has consistently urged Biden to secure the border throughout his presidency. “Like a lot of Northeastern Pennsylvanians, she has seen what the scourge of Fentanyl has done to our community and has said that President Biden didn’t do enough to secure the southern border,” the spokesperson said, adding that Cognetti is “no stranger to calling out politicians from either political party when they get it wrong.”
Records also indicate Cognetti previously advocated for more lenient immigration policies. In July 2021, she called for mass amnesty for millions of undocumented immigrants, warning that failure to provide pathways to citizenship could become a “national security issue.” She has also argued that immigrants, including those who entered the country illegally, “contribute greatly to our cultural and economic growth.”
Rep. Bresnahan, the Republican incumbent, has seized on these apparent contradictions. In a statement, he accused Cognetti of implementing “soft-on-crime policies” that led to “a spike in violence in Scranton” and claimed her support for legalizing undocumented immigrants would “only make things worse.”
Cognetti’s team countered by asserting the mayor has a “proven track record” of investing in local law enforcement and has overseen a decrease in violent crime during her tenure.
The race underscores how immigration and border security continue to dominate political discourse in battleground districts. As candidates navigate voter concerns about both security and humanitarian approaches to immigration, their evolving positions highlight the complex political calculations at play in swing districts.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report currently rates this contested Pennsylvania seat as “Lean Republican,” suggesting Cognetti faces an uphill battle despite her efforts to recalibrate her message on border security.
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10 Comments
Interesting to see a Democratic candidate criticize Biden’s border policies. Voters likely want a balanced, pragmatic approach to immigration. Cognetti may be trying to appeal to moderates in this competitive district.
Indeed, border security is a complex issue that requires nuance. Voters will want to hear clear, substantive solutions rather than partisan rhetoric.
It’s refreshing to see a Democratic candidate willing to break from the party line on a high-profile issue like border policy. Cognetti’s shift could help her appeal to independent and Republican-leaning voters.
Absolutely. Voters often respond well to candidates who demonstrate independence and a willingness to challenge their own party when they believe it’s the right thing to do.
The border crisis has clearly become a major concern for many voters. Cognetti’s shift in stance suggests she’s trying to get ahead of this issue and present herself as a pragmatic, solutions-oriented candidate.
Agreed. Striking the right balance on immigration is crucial for any candidate hoping to appeal to a diverse electorate in a competitive district.
Cognetti’s criticism of Biden’s border policies is an interesting move. It suggests she’s trying to position herself as a pragmatic, moderate voice in a highly competitive district. Voters will be watching closely to see if she can strike the right balance on this complex issue.
Agreed. Navigating the politics of immigration is tricky, but Cognetti’s willingness to challenge her own party’s stance could pay off if she can articulate a thoughtful, nuanced position.
It’s good to see politicians willing to break from party lines when they feel it’s warranted. Cognetti’s criticism of Biden’s border actions suggests she’s prioritizing her constituents over partisan loyalties.
Absolutely. Voters often respond positively to candidates who demonstrate independence and a willingness to buck their own party when they believe it’s the right thing to do.