EASTON, Pa. – Scott Janney announced his campaign for Pennsylvania State Senate in District 18, Northampton and Lehigh Counties on Tuesday.
Janney, an ordained Evangelical Presbyterian minister and seasoned fundraiser, has directed more than one billion dollars into The Salvation Army’s work across the Eastern USA Territory, according to a press release from the candidate.
Janney says his Pennsylvania roots run deep: 10th-generation American on his father’s side with Pennsylvania roots stretching back before William Penn, and 2nd-generation on his mother’s, honoring an immigrant grandfather who earned US citizenship and was elected to local office. Janney says he is shaped by faith, history and duty.
Working his way through college as a member of the United Steelworkers he earned a Bachelor’s, Master of Divinity, and Doctorate in Education. His research centered on traits that make leaders effective, the release says.
He’s built his career on listening, negotiating, and building lasting impact. As Director of Gift Planning for The Salvation Army’s 12-state Eastern USA Territory – Kentucky to Puerto Rice to Maine – his 29-member team has delivered a billion dollars over five years, straight to food banks, safe shelters, recovery and education programs, all rooted in grace and real second chances. They hit the stretch goal of twice the planned gifts by 2027 two years early because of clarity on goals, overcoming hurdles to complex gifts, listening to potential donors, and collaboration with internal partners. From $48 million to $99 million annually in new gifts, according to the release.
“Real change starts with trust, plain speech, and turning promises into results,” he says. “That’s what I’ve done throughout my career. It’s what our State Senate needs.”
Scott says he is not a career politician, having only served as a Committeeman and Area Chair since 2022. He was featured in a PBS Newshour story in 2024, where the reporter said, “In Northampton County it will come to who works the hardest,” and every Republican candidate won in the area he led.
He says has pledged to serve no more than two terms. He’s been listening, linking up with committees and leaders since November.
He has three clear priorities listed in the release:
Stronger Economy: better wages, lower bills, helping all Pennsylvanians climb up, not just scrape by.
Pennsylvania Energy: ours to extract and control, not dictated by New York, New Jersey, Maryland and New England.
Citizens First: Not last but front and center in laws, budgets, and everything state and local.
Married to Rebecca Price Janney, author of 27 books, including the award-winning Easton Series of historical novels, they live with their son, a recent Northampton Community College graduate, and their loyal King Charles spaniel. He plays guitar, hunts, gardens, and portrays Colonel Peter Kichline every Heritage Day since 2013.
Learn more about Scott Janey by visiting his website.