Democratic candidates vying to gain swing House seats this year are facing growing scrutiny regarding their positions on the southern border.
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti recently expressed her disapproval of former President Joe Biden’s approach to border issues during a podcast in March, labeling it a “big mistake” and “really bad.” Despite this criticism, it seems that leading House candidates have refrained from voicing concerns about Biden’s border policies during his presidency.
Cognetti, who has been the mayor in Biden’s hometown since 2020, is attempting to unseat Rob Bresnahan in the upcoming November midterm elections. The race in northeastern Pennsylvania is anticipated to be highly competitive.
Some Democrats are now shifting their focus towards border security, particularly after what many deemed a failed 2024 campaign message.
Back in September 2021, Cognetti called for “improved border controls” but didn’t specifically assign blame to the Biden administration. Interestingly, in August 2023, she co-signed a letter with several Pennsylvania mayors that seemed supportive of Biden’s border strategy, commending his efforts to bring more order to the situation.
The letter acknowledged Biden’s commitment to linking border security with expanded paths to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. A spokesperson for Cognetti mentioned that she has consistently urged Biden to enhance border security throughout his presidency. “Like many in Northeastern Pennsylvania, she’s observed the devastating effects of fentanyl in our communities,” the spokesperson noted, adding that Cognetti is not shy about calling out politicians for poor decisions.
Additionally, during Biden’s administration, Cognetti supported more progressive immigration policies, arguing that immigrants, even those who arrived illegally, play a vital role in contributing to both cultural and economic growth.
In a 2023 letter, she urged Biden to extend legal protections for certain Central American nationals residing in the U.S. She also pushed for a mass amnesty for millions of undocumented immigrants in July 2021, emphasizing that failing to create a path to citizenship could lead to national security concerns. “If we don’t act now, our power diminishes, and it could become a national security issue,” she warned.
Responding to Cognetti’s advocacy for mass amnesty, Bresnahan criticized her stance, claiming it undermines safety in the area. He attributed the rise in crime in Scranton to her policies and noted, “Her backing for legalized immigrant status could exacerbate the situation, especially in a city where she downplays serious issues like murder and gang violence.”
A spokesperson for Cognetti countered by stating that she has a history of supporting local law enforcement, which has led to a decline in violent crime.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report currently considers this contest to lean Republican.
