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Janelle Stelson has earned a major boost in her bid to flip Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District, landing a coveted spot on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's (DCCC) "Red to Blue" program ahead of the May primary.
According to local CBS affiliate WHP, Stelson is one of just 12 candidates nationwide to receive the designation in this first round of the 2026 cycle. The program gives selected candidates strategic guidance, staff resources, candidate training, and fundraising support — all aimed at putting them in the strongest position possible heading into November.
The DCCC designed "Red to Blue" specifically to target congressional seats held by what the party considers vulnerable Republicans, with the broader goal of flipping the House back to Democratic control.
DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene praised the newly named candidates in a statement. "House Democrats are on offense and poised to take back the majority, thanks in large part to the strength of our candidates," DelBene said. "The candidates named to this first round of our Red to Blue program are united by their desire to fight for hardworking families in their districts."
Stelson, a former broadcast journalist at WGAL who has lived in Harrisburg since 1986, came within roughly 5,000 votes — just over 1 percent — of defeating seven-term Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry in 2024. The DCCC pointed to that close finish and her strong campaign launch, which included more than 1,000 petition signatures, as key factors in her selection.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and other state elected leaders have also endorsed Stelson's campaign.
Before she can face Perry in November, however, Stelson must first win the Democratic primary on Tuesday (May 19). She faces Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas as her main primary opponent, after U.S. Army veteran William Edward Lillich of Danville dropped out of the race and threw his support behind Douglas.
The DCCC's endorsement puts additional pressure on the May primary and signals that national Democrats view the Pennsylvania 10th as a realistic pickup opportunity heading into the 2026 midterm elections.