PITTSBURGH — We’re just under 15 weeks from Election Day and one big race flying under the radar with Oz, Fetterman, Mastriano and Shapiro dominating the headlines is the race for Pennsylvania’s 17th Federal District.
Incumbent Conor Lamb is leaving Congress and that means a big gap representing Allegheny and Beaver counties.
In 2020, Lamb defeated Parnell by just over 2%. This November, another tight race is expected, especially with no incumbent on the ballot.
“I believe Republicans are energized to vote. I believe Democrats are not,” Allegheny County Republican Party Chairman Sam DeMarco said. “I think the economy is clearly the issue that matters most to these folks. You’ve got to feed your family. Even people receiving raises are not keeping up with inflation.”
If he’s right, it’ll mean a win for Republican Jeremy Shaffer and a flipped seat for the Congressional GOP.
Erin Gabriel chairs the Beaver County Democratic Committee. She points to other issues as driving a surge in volunteers, donors and interest in candidate Chris Deluzio.
“Preserving the American way of life, preserving our democracy, our voting rights, our right to healthcare,” she said. “People are really concerned that something else is going on here and they are ready to stand up and vote to protect their children’s futures. There’s so much on the table right now.”
Gabriel also points to the newly redrawn district as a plus. It favors Democrats slightly more than before.
DeMarco says Lamb didn’t perform as well as Biden two years ago and he expects that trend to continue.
We’ll keep you updated through Election Day.
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