(The Center Square) – Democrat Janelle Stelson raised more than all of the congressional candidates running in Pennsylvania over the last two months, including GOP U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, who she is attempting to unseat in the state’s 10th U.S. House District.
Stelson, a former central Pennsylvania television anchor, raised $1.67 million from April 30 to the end of June, while Perry raised just under $780,000 during that same time frame, according to campaign finance reports released Wednesday.
Not only has Stelson outpaced Perry over the last two months, but the $6.36 million she’s raised since entering the race in July 2025 is more than any Pennsylvania congressional candidate over the past year.
The only candidate in the Keystone State who has raised more 2026 election cycle-to-date is U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-1st District, who has raised $6.76 million throughout the campaign. However, Fitzpatrick’s total includes the $2.53 million he raised in the first half of 2025, before Stelson joined the race for the 10th District.
Perry has raised $5.25 million throughout the current election cycle, ranking fourth among Pennsylvania candidates, trailing only Fitzpatrick, Stelson, and U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-8th District.
The latest campaign finance report is the first released since both candidates secured their respective party’s nominations.
Perry was unopposed for the Republican Party nomination, while Stelson cruised to earning the Democratic Party nod over Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas.
Perry, former chair of the conservative U.S. House Freedom Caucus, is serving his seventh term in Congress. He’s being backed by President Donald Trump, while Stelson has the support of Gov. Josh Shapiro.
The closely watched race in November is a rematch for the seat in south central Pennsylvania. Perry defeated Stelson by 1.2 points in 2024, which was his tightest race since winning a seat in the U.S. House.
Both candidates have raised significantly more money this campaign than at this point in the previous cycle.
By July 2024, Perry’s campaign had raised $2.7 million up to that time in the election cycle, compared to Stelson’s $1.91 million.
One notable difference to Stelson’s advantage in the current race compared to the previous cycle is the amount each campaign has in the bank.
At this point in the 2024 cycle, Stelson’s campaign had $1.11 million on hand, while Perry’s campaign had just under $790,000.
As of July 1, Stelson’s campaign had $4.47 million on hand, while Perry’s campaign has $2.84 million.
Perry’s campaign has spent more than Stelson throughout the 2026 cycle, although Stelson spent nearly twice the amount he has over the past two months.
His campaign has spent $2.74 million throughout the entirety of the current campaign, while Stelson has spent $2.02 million since she launched her candidacy in July 2025. However, from April 30 to the end of June, Stelson’s campaign spent just under $545,000, while Perry’s spent just under $275,000.
The next fundraising quarter will close on Sept.30, with Oct.15 serving as the filing deadline for candidates.
The race for the 10th Congressional District is expected to see increased attention in the fall as control for the U.S. House is on the line. Pundits in the Keystone State and beyond agree that this race is expected to be a close one.
Three national ratings outlets, the Cook Political Report, Sabato’s Crystal Ball, and Inside Elections describe the race for Pennsylvania’s 10th District as a “toss up.”
Isabelle Harman, who WGAL reports is an Army veteran, has also filed for the seat as an Independent. Harman’s campaign had just over $8,000 on hand entering July.
