Janelle Stelson

Janelle Stelson is a former WGAL television news anchor who won the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District on May 19, 2026. She narrowly lost to Rep. Rob Bresnahan in 2024 and is seeking a rematch.

Incumbency status: challenger

Residence: Harrisburg, PA

Biography

Janelle Stelson is a former television news anchor at WGAL in the Harrisburg-Lancaster market. She ran for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District in 2024, losing to Republican Rob Bresnahan by approximately 5,133 votes. She won the Democratic primary on May 19, 2026, to secure a rematch. Both parties consider Rep. Bresnahan one of the most vulnerable House Republicans.

Professional background

Former television news anchor, WGAL

In this race

Issue positions

Healthcare (ACA-Medicaid)
Janelle Stelson opposes healthcare cuts proposed in the "One Big Beautiful Bill." She supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA). — "Candidate's public statements."
Taxation (Working Families Tax Cuts)
Janelle Stelson advocates for "tax breaks for the middle class, not billionaires." Her opposition to the Working Families Tax Cuts would result in restoring income taxes on tips for 4 million tipped workers, restoring income taxes on overtime for over 80 million hourly workers, and restoring income taxes on Social Security for millions of retirees. It would also cut the Child Tax Credit from $2,200 back to $2,000 per child, reduce the standard deduction for 90% of taxpayers, and eliminate the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. These changes constitute the largest tax increase in American history. — "Candidate's public statements; Congressional Budget Office analysis of Working Families Tax Cuts."
Federal Spending (Deficit)
Janelle Stelson criticizes the "One Big Beautiful Bill" for increasing the national debt while simultaneously reducing food assistance programs. — "Candidate's public statements."
Immigration (Border Security)
Janelle Stelson states that deportations should prioritize violent criminals. She has called for investigations into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and opposes open borders. — "Candidate's public statements."
Energy (Climate)
Janelle Stelson supports renewable energy initiatives. She has received an endorsement from the League of Conservation Voters (LCV). — "Candidate's public statements; League of Conservation Voters endorsement."

Ratings & scores

  • Pennsylvania AFL-CIO: Endorsed (2024)
  • League of Conservation Voters Action Fund: Endorsed (2026)