Paige Cognetti is a proven executive leader, former mayor, and public servant running to represent Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District. Originally from New Jersey, Cognetti built her career in public service and operations management, including leadership roles at AmeriCorps and in the nonprofit sector. In 2016, she was appointed Mayor of Scranton, becoming the first woman to lead the city. She was later elected to a full term by Scranton voters, earning a reputation as a hands-on, results-oriented leader focused on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community revitalization.
As mayor, Cognetti inherited a city facing deep financial challenges. She led Scranton out of state oversight, stabilized city finances, invested in infrastructure, strengthened public safety, and worked to rebuild trust between residents and local government. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she worked with labor, business leaders, and community organizations to deliver real improvements for Scranton families. After leaving office, Cognetti continued advocating for economic development, good governance, and opportunity across northeastern Pennsylvania. She previously ran competitive campaigns for Congress in PA-08 and is now running again to bring experienced, pragmatic leadership to Washington, focused on lowering costs, strengthening communities, and delivering for working families in the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre region.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
- Lowering Costs & Economic Security — Cognetti is focused on tackling the rising cost of living, including healthcare, housing, and energy costs, so families can get ahead.
- Good Government & Accountability — As a former mayor who fixed a city budget, she believes in fiscal responsibility, transparency, and making government work efficiently for taxpayers.
- Good-Paying Jobs & Economic Development — She supports investments that create good-paying jobs in northeastern Pennsylvania, including infrastructure, clean energy, and small-business growth.
- Healthcare Access — Cognetti supports protecting and strengthening access to affordable healthcare and lowering prescription-drug prices.
- Public Safety & Community Investment — She believes communities are strongest when public safety, infrastructure, and social services work together.
- Pragmatic, People-First Leadership — Running in a competitive district, Cognetti emphasizes independence, collaboration, and results over partisan gridlock.
Why Paige Cognetti
- Executive Experience: Led a mid-sized city through financial recovery and reform.
- Proven Crisis Manager: Took office during fiscal distress and delivered stability and growth.
- Electoral Strength: Built strong name recognition and competitive performance in PA-08.
- Problem Solver: Focused on what works — not ideological fights.
- Strong Fit for PA-08: Brings practical leadership to a working-class, swing district.
I’m running for Congress to take on a corrupt Washington that has left our community behind. Politicians keep getting richer and our costs keep rising. My public service career has been dedicated to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in government. I’m ready to take that fight to the place that needs it most: a Washington controlled by special interests and self-serving politicians who put the people last. Nobody works harder than the people of NEPA, and they deserve a government that works as hard as they do.