This is the fifth in our series highlighting the key mayoral races in the Commonwealth.
Incumbent Democrat Paige Cognetti is seeking a second full term as mayor of “The Electric City” while also declaring as a candidate for the 8th Congressional District seat in Congress. She faces three challengers in Republican Trish Beynon, Rik Little and Gene Barrett.
Paige Cognetti (D)
Primary. defeated Bob Sheridan, 76%-22%
Experience. Scranton mayor, 2020-present; Special assistant to Pennsylvania Auditor General (2019); Scranton School Board Director (2018); Goldman Sachs (2014-16); U.S. Department of Treasury (2009-12).
Priorities.
Fight to lower costs for residents
Cut red tape and promote economic growth
Invest in police force
Reinvigorate neighborhoods with parks upgrades and new amenities
Focus
Cultivate community partnerships to better serve all residents on small business with programs that boost wages
Quotable. “We have spent six years moving this forward. I know the people of Scranton want to keep moving forward. We cannot go back to where we were. If I am elected to Congress in 2026, I will make damn sure that in 2027 there is someone sitting here on this debate stage that I can pass the torch to, to continue to make progress.”
Education. B.A, University of Oregon. MBA, Harvard Business School.
Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Trish Beynon (R)
Primary. defeated Lynn Labrosky, 44.8%-39.0%
Experience. Accounting executive at Don Scartelli Construction Services and General Contractors Inc
Priorities.
Easing the tax burden, cutting waste, and supporting affordable housing.
Partnering with our community and local organizations for safer communities.
Investing in real repairs – ditching the quick patches that waste money.
Courting investment and cutting red tape to bring jobs and pride back to Scranton.
Quotable. “I don’t care about political parties – I care about good ideas and working together. We will do better when we focus on solutions, not partisan politics. Together, we can create a city government that’s transparent, responsive, and works for every resident of Scranton.”
Education. Luzerne County Community College
Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Gene Barrett (I)
Experience. Former Scranton councilman; former Executive Director of Scranton Sewer Authority; Army veteran
Priorities.
Focused on safer streets, fair taxes & business growth
Quotable. “I’m not trying to propel myself to a higher position in government. I want to be your mayor. I’m fully qualified, fully experienced. I’m feeling capable of representing the voters of Scranton and all the residents to make Scranton a proud place that everyone would want to live, work and enjoy their daily lives.”
Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Rik Little (I)
Experience. N/A
Priorities.
Running to regain control of government for “the people” and take it away from “a lawyer class that runs everything in the government and the courts.”
Links: N/A
Debates
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