HARRISBURG, Pa. —
Republican incumbent Scott Perry and Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson engaged in a heated debate at WHTM-ABC27 in Harrisburg, addressing key issues affecting Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District, including housing, artificial intelligence, the economy, gas prices, and the war with Iran.
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Candidates clash over housing costs and legislation
Throughout the debate, Perry’s voting record was a central point of contention, particularly his opposition to the 21st Century Road to Housing Act.
“I was happy to vote for the House bipartisan version, as you noted, as my opponent keeps lying to everybody about. But when it goes to the Senate, maybe she doesn’t understand how this worked, but they changed it,” Perry said.
Perry argued that the Senate version of the bill would have allocated funds to undocumented immigrants, while Stelson emphasized its potential to lower housing costs.
“We need to get rid of his chaotic tariff taxes as well, because that is, you know, upgrading the cost of a lot of materials to build a home. There are a lot of things we can do to bring down the cost of housing,” Stelson said.
Perry and Stelson disagree over Iran policy
Both candidates agreed in opposing a war with Iran but clashed over Perry’s voting record. Stelson accused Perry of voting for the war six times and called for an immediate withdrawal, while Perry cited Iran’s declaration of war on the United States and the threat of nuclear attack as reasons for continued involvement.
“Iran has declared war on the United States, and there’s a credible threat of nuclear attack. It’s very different from Ukraine. Ukraine didn’t declare war on the United States, and neither did Russia,” Perry said.
Stelson highlighted the impact of rising diesel costs on farmers, saying, “The farmers, especially the diesel, is killing them. A lot of them were already struggling to get food on our tables in a timely fashion.”
Sharp exchanges highlight candidates’ differences
The debate also featured moments of sharp exchanges between the candidates.
“Are we going to stop with the lying and the incompetence?” Stelson asked.
“If you will stop,” Perry replied.
“I’m just talking about your voting record, sir. If you don’t like it, you should get a different voting record,” Stelson said.
“Okay, we’ll ask the folks at home how they feel,” Perry said.
The debate highlighted the stark differences between the candidates as they vie for the congressional seat.