PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced the first wave of potential candidates for the “Red to Blue” program for the 2026 cycle, according to a news release.
The initial group of 12 candidates will be given strategic guidance, staff resources, training, and fundraising support to ensure they are “in the best possible position” for November success, and a pair of Pennsylvania women made the cut.
Among them is Pennsylvania 10th Congressional Candidate, Janelle Stelson who is running to unseat Congressman Scott Perry.
“House Democrats are on offense and poised to take back the majority, thanks in large part to the strength of our candidates,” said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene. “The candidates named to this first round of our Red to Blue program are united by their desire to fight for hardworking families in their districts — not the billionaires bankrolling Republicans’ corrupt and divisive machine. They are laser-focused on lowering costs, saving health care, and putting people first, as opposed to their Republican opponents who have abandoned everyday Americans so they can give handouts to the privileged and the elite.”
The release called the program “highly competitive and battle tested,” and qualifying candidates earn a spot in the program by surpassing aggressive grassroots engagement goals as well as high levels of local support, campaign organization, and fundraising.
Why Support Janelle Stelson?
As an area broadcast journalist, Stelson has spent her career listening to and advocating for central Pennsylvanians.
She moved to Harrisburg in 1986 and has worked for a pair of news stations across central Pennsylvania.
The DCCC in its support of Stelson, pointed to her performance in 2024 where she came within 5,000 votes of beating Perry.
A spokesperson also pointed to a successful launch of the campaign where she received more than 1,000 signatures. Stelson has also received the endorsement of Governor Josh Shapiro and other elected leaders in Pennsylvania.
The DCCC Chairwoman released a statement about Stelson:
Central Pennsylvanians trust Janelle Stelson and know she will fight for them in Washington. Scott Perry has repeatedly put his extreme politics ahead of his own constituents, and Janelle will finally give her community a voice in Congress who actually puts them first.
Stelson does have a primary opponent in Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas. CBS 21 has reached out to his campaign for a response to the endorsement.
CBS 21 has also reached out to Congressman Scott Perry’s campaign team for a response as well.