In a fiery exchange Thursday night, Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan and Democratic challenger Paige Cognetti went head-to-head on the war in Iran, the proliferation of data centers, and energy policy in a race that could help determine control of the House.
The debate, hosted by WVIA News, came as the Cook Political Report rates the Pennsylvania 8th District a toss-up. Cognetti, the mayor of Scranton, has been pressing Bresnahan on his record, particularly his votes on military action in Iran.
Iran War Takes Center Stage
Cognetti accused the Trump administration and Congress of failing to be transparent about the military engagement. “We need real diplomacy, and we need to make sure that we are treating our American service members with respect,” she said. She pointed to Bresnahan’s six votes in favor of the war, the most recent in September, and argued that the conflict has made the nation less safe.
“The American people are waiting for answers, and we are not getting them,” Cognetti said, citing concerns about munitions depletion and the war’s status as a “war of choice.”
Bresnahan, however, broke with Trump, stating the war has “gone on far too long” and that the mission has been accomplished. He rejected any boots on the ground and insisted the conflict “absolutely needs to end.” He linked the war to energy policy, arguing for expanded domestic production.
“We can’t let a conflict that’s six thousand miles away dictate what’s happening here,” Bresnahan said, adding that the U.S. should not depend on Middle East oil when it has its own natural gas and energy reserves.
Data Center Dispute
The candidates also sparred over data center development. Cognetti criticized Bresnahan for inviting proposals, arguing that the process needs more transparency. She said that while some projects, like the one in Berwick, could work, “the table has to be set properly” with no nondisclosure agreements and with input from local labor and the tech industry.
Bresnahan fired back, noting that a data center ordinance has stalled in Scranton City Council for over eight months. He touted his Local Control Protection Act, which would return zoning decisions to local communities.
“They need to figure out what’s best for their friends, their families, and their neighbors,” he said.
Bresnahan’s Independence
Near the end of the debate, Bresnahan highlighted his willingness to break with his party, noting his support for a discharge petition on expired Affordable Care Act subsidies. “Every single time I put my voting card into that machine, it’s for northeastern Pennsylvania,” he said.
The race remains tight, with Decision Desk HQ giving Cognetti a slight edge. The outcome could hinge on voter frustration over the economy and the ongoing war, issues that are likely to remain front and center as the midterms approach.
