LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — In one of the key races across the commonwealth, first-time candidate Rob Bresnahan upset incumbent Matt Cartwright for the U.S. House 8th District seat.
"I mean, it's just a surreal experience. I mean, the opportunity to represent my home where I was born, raised, where I went to school, where I reinvested, where I created jobs, and we're all eventually dying, get buried, and have an opportunity to represent them in the United States House of Representatives is just such an honor and something I'm really looking forward to doing," said Rob Bresnahan, (R) Congressman-elect.
The Republican hailing from Pittston decided to throw his hat in the race last October, citing changes in the political landscape that he disagreed with, "What people are so frustrated with and what they see coming out of Congress, And I said this is the perfect time for a change," said Bresnahan.
Bresnahan hit the campaign trail hard, relying on the voters he says he gained through handshakes, "Everyone that put a yard sign out with my name on it without even meeting me because they believe that I can make a difference in their lives certainly inspires you to work that much harder every single day. And I wanna say to the voters who did vote for me, whether they did vote for me or not, I'm here to represent Northeastern Pennsylvania," he explained.
From looking to lower the cost of groceries and utilities, Bresnahan says he's getting ready to fulfill the promises he made, "I wanna make life affordable. Again, I want to secure our borders and I wanna make sure that our communities are safe because that's the paramount to a functioning society."
As the Republican looks to take over the long Democrat-controlled district, Bresnahan gives credit to anyone who is willing to put their name on a ballot, "As a person who for the first time placed their name on a ballot and a yard sign. I have a whole new level of respect. But at the end of the day, you have to run for the right reasons, and those reasons are because you love your country. You love Northeastern Pennsylvania, and you love the people."
Congressman Matt Cartwright posted a statement on social media on Wednesday saying it has been an honor to serve the 8th district. He wishes Bresnahan the best as he steers northeastern Pennsylvania through the challenges ahead.
Congressman-elect Bresnahan will take office in early January.