Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) lost his reelection bid on Nov. 5 in Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District as the GOP aims to strengthen its majority in the House of Representatives, while the Democrats strive to reclaim it.
Republican businessman Rob Bresnahan Jr. emerged victorious over Cartwright, who conceded on Nov. 6, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community in Congress.
“Thank you, Congressman Cartwright, for the warm wishes and your service to our state. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again—the only letters that matter next to my name are N.E.P.A.,” Bresnahan responded in a post, with the initials representing “Northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Cartwright, a progressive Democrat, was first elected in 2013 in a slightly Republican district.
An InsideElections poll indicated that Cartwright was leading by 7 percentage points.
During a debate on Oct. 22, Cartwright highlighted his efforts in bringing back taxpayer dollars to the district, including funds for law enforcement.
Regarding inflation, Bresnahan attributed it to the national debt, while Cartwright pointed to corporate profiteering and price gouging.
On the border issue, Bresnahan advocated for a physical barrier with hybrid technologies, while Cartwright supported a bipartisan bill that would have mandated the president to close the border in case of a certain number of illegal entrants in a day. Senate Republicans blocked the bill, citing insufficient border security measures. Cartwright emphasized his votes on legislation to defund sanctuary cities and enhance penalties for illegal immigrants committing violent crimes.
Bresnahan pledged to be an independent voice for the district, criticizing the partisan divide hindering progress in Congress.
The candidates clashed over voting records, with Bresnahan accusing Cartwright of aligning with Democrats 98 percent of the time, which Cartwright disputed, citing bipartisan bills he introduced that became law.
Cartwright clarified that he does not harbor animosity towards Republicans, referencing his family members who are affiliated with the GOP.
On the topic of abortion, Cartwright condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, labeling it a detrimental ruling for American law. Bresnahan supported the court’s action, arguing against federal intervention in the abortion debate.
Bresnahan is set to assume office on Jan. 3, 2025.
