In a key debate on Tuesday night, Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District saw incumbent Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) facing off against Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson, with border security at the forefront of their discussion. Perry stood firmly behind former President Donald Trump’s stringent border security measures and defended his disapproval of a Senate pro-migration border bill. According to Perry, Vice President Kamala Harris misrepresented the potential passage of this legislation, which he claimed would allow an influx of 5,000 illegal migrants daily, worsening an already dire border situation. Stelson, a former news anchor living outside the district, supported the bill, which was ultimately undermined by leaks of its contents that elicited bipartisan opposition.
Perry characterized the proposed legislation as detrimental, suggesting that it would exacerbate the violence associated with increased migrant crossings. He referenced horrific crimes committed by individuals who entered the U.S. through lenient provisions similar to those in the failed bill, citing cases such as that of Jocelyn Nungaray, raped and murdered by Venezuelan migrants, and others who similarly fell victim to violent crimes by undocumented immigrants released due to policies from the Biden-Harris administration. Perry emphasized a need to prioritize the safety of Americans over the facilitation of unchecked migration, arguing that current economic conditions make it unfeasible to extend support to unvetted migrants.
Stelson, while agreeing that the border must be secured, criticized the Biden administration for its overdue and inadequate response to the border crisis. She expressed frustration with Perry’s voting record, which she contended hindered financial support for border patrol agencies and immigration judges, an essential part of resolving the backlog in processing migrants. Perry countered that merely increasing funding would not yield effective results, asserting that the border was secure during Trump’s presidency and emphasizing the urgency for a new administration to enforce lawful border policies.
When pressed about her stance on deporting illegal immigrants, Stelson admitted she lacked a concrete plan, responding simply with “No” when asked how she would implement such actions. This statement raised skepticism about her ability to address the complexities of the immigration issue effectively. Interviewed after the heated exchanges, Stelson remained tight-lipped, choosing not to engage further with the press, possibly due to the circumstances surrounding her recent ankle injury.
The competitive nature of this congressional race cannot be overlooked, as analyses from the Cook Political Report suggest that while the district leans Republican, the outcome remains uncertain. National Republican leadership is taking the contest seriously, illustrated by plans for Speaker Mike Johnson to visit the district in support of Perry, who was recently appointed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, marking a significant elevation in his political stature.
In summary, the debate illuminated the stark contrasts between Perry’s and Stelson’s approaches to border security and immigration policy. Perry’s messaging focused on stringent enforcement and the dangers posed by illegal immigration, while Stelson highlighted a need for reform and better management of border issues. Both candidates face the challenges of persuading an electorate that is wrestling with the realities of immigration, economic hardship, and safety concerns as they head into the pivotal 2024 elections.
