Pennsylvania U.S. House District 8

Townships of Barrett, Coolbaugh, Chestnuthill, Jackson, Middle Smithfield, Paradise, Pocono, Polk, Price, Smithfield (Dist. 04), Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock and the Borough of Mount Pocono

Term: 2 years

Salary: $174,000

Matt Cartwright

Democratic incumbent

County: Lackawanna

Address: Scranton

Education: B.A., Hamilton College (1983); J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School (1986)

Qualifications: Represented Northeastern Pennsylvania effectively in Congress for the past seven years; Worked as a trial attorney for the previous 25 years, helping working people get justice when they were wronged.

Online: http://www.cartwrightcongress.com, http://www.facebook.com/cartwrightpa/, http://twitter.com/CartwrightPA

Q: What would be your top priorities as a U.S. Representative over the next two years?

A: I will prioritize a continued, strong public health and economic response to COVID-19 to get the virus under control, support workers and families who are struggling, and lay the foundation for a full economic recovery and job creation, one where all people - not just the wealthy - get to enjoy the benefits. We can do that through major investments in modernizing our nation’s infrastructure, education for our younger generations, and bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., especially the PPE and drugs needed to beat the pandemic. I will also continue working to lower prescription drug costs, and protect and expand access to affordable health care as well as Medicare and Social Security for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s older residents.

Q: The landmark Shelby v. Holder decision overturned protections in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that required certain states and local governments to obtain federal preclearance before implementing voting laws or practices. Since then, the U.S. has experienced a surge of legislation that makes it more difficult for many people to vote. What voting reforms do you see as essential to making U.S. elections accessible and secure?

A: Voting in free and fair elections is the bedrock right in our democracy. I helped pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act in the U.S. House, which would restore the voting protections that were struck down by the harmful Shelby v. Holder decision and create a process for reviewing state election changes to ensure they do not foster discrimination. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I helped craft funding legislation that would authorize $500 million for states to upgrade and secure voting equipment. I am also leading a bill that would guarantee two hours of paid leave to workers on federal election days so no one has to sacrifice their income to exercise this basic, essential democratic right.

Q: How would you go about finding consensus and reducing gridlock in Washington, D.C.?

A: Americans expect their leaders to get things done, and that’s why I make it a point to work with both Democrats and Republicans to advance our shared priorities. Since 2013, I have introduced more legislation that is sponsored by a member of the other party than any other House Democrat. In 2019, I was named one of the most effective Democrats in Congress, in part because of my record of bipartisan approach to lawmaking. I prefer to avoid political food-fighting, and instead strive to work with anyone when our priorities align to advance solutions to improve the lives of the people we represent.

Jim Bognet

Republican

Address: Hazleton

No response to questions.

Additional information on candidates is available at www.VOTE411.org.