Crime Concerns Shadow Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti As She Challenges GOP Rep. In Biden’s Hometown

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti is facing intensified scrutiny over a recent rise in violent incidents as she campaigns to unseat freshman Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. in Pennsylvania’s closely contested 8th District. Local reporting and police figures show the city — long associated with President Joe Biden — recorded five homicides in the first half of 2024, a total that reportedly surpasses the previous year, and included a case in which a police officer was shot in the head and survived.

Local Political Context

Pennsylvania remains a political bellwether, with multiple districts rated as highly competitive. The 8th District is among those races that could influence control in Congress, and public safety has become a central issue in the campaign between a sitting mayor and a freshman member of Congress.

Mayor’s Response

At a 2025 mayoral debate, Cognetti pushed back against reporting that suggested a dramatic crime spike, telling questioners that a tabloid “is not a crime database” and urging people to consult official crime statistics. Her team says that, despite isolated high-profile incidents, overall violent crime has not spiked and points to recent investments in public safety.

Past Remarks And Policy Views

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, left, walks through Scranton.(Getty Images)

In a 2020 interview, Cognetti described an aspirational goal for policing in which officers would not need to carry firearms, citing experiences living in Japan and discussing the role of body cameras. She also acknowledged law-abiding gun owners in rural contexts, underscoring a nuanced stance rather than a blanket position against gun ownership.

City Investments And Police Resources

City officials and Cognetti’s campaign cite expanded police staffing, roughly 50–51 new patrol vehicles equipped with advanced technology, live-feed body cameras, upgraded dashcams, and more than 230 CCTV cameras deployed across Scranton. These measures are presented as efforts to bolster officer safety and improve response and investigation capabilities.

Opposition Criticism

Rep. Bresnahan’s campaign has been sharply critical, accusing the mayor of downplaying gang violence, inadequately supporting law enforcement, and making poor public-priority choices. Campaign statements also referenced a controversial incident in which the mayor was alleged to have been away from the city soon after a violent crime, a detail the campaign used to question her judgment.

What This Means For Voters

As the election season progresses, both sides are using public safety to shape voters’ perceptions in a district that remains narrowly divided. Voters and local stakeholders are watching crime statistics, public safety investments, and campaign claims closely as they weigh leadership and accountability in a city with rising concerns about violent incidents.

Note: Reports cited in local media and campaign statements refer to police counts and specific incidents; readers are encouraged to consult official city or law-enforcement crime dashboards for the most current statistics.