Two Republican candidates will be squaring off in the primary for the chance to face incumbent Democrat Matt Cartwright in November’s general election for the newly realigned 8th Congressional District seat. Cartwright is unopposed in the primary.

The 8th Congressional District includes all of Lackawanna, Pike and Wayne counties and parts of Luzerne and Monroe counties, including Chestnuthill Township and part of Ross Township.

Jim Bognet

Age: 46

Town of residence: Hazle Township

Website/Social media: Facebook - @BognetForCongress

Background: I grew up working for my family’s construction company digging ditches and pouring concrete before graduating from Penn State and later earning my M.B.A. from UCLA. I started my own small business to help firms with communications issues. I was appointed by President Trump to serve in his administration and later resigned to run against liberal Matt Cartwright after he voted to impeach President Trump. I have fought for conservative values my entire life and earned President Trump’s endorsement. I am Pro-Life, Pro-Wall, and Pro-Second Amendment and will fight to bring back America First policies.

What qualifies you to run for office: I believe our country needs more business people running for office. Less talk, more action. I created my own small business and understand the value of the dollar. I am a lifelong conservative and spent decades fighting for our values across the country. I am honored to be endorsed by President Trump and will fight to reimplement his America First policies to make it easier to grow small businesses, create jobs, and stop the sky-high inflation caused by Joe Biden and Matt Cartwright.

Priorities: One of the core principles that made America great is fair elections. We need election security. One of my top priorities will be to secure our elections by requiring voter ID and eliminating no-excuse mail-in voting. I will also fight to finish the border wall, reinstate President Trump’s remain in Mexico policy, and keep Title 42. I will also stand up for the sanctity of life and constantly support our men and women in blue. Visit my website BognetForCongress.com to learn more.

Mike Marsicano

Age: 73

Town of residence: Hazle Township

Website/Social media: https://www.marsicanoforpa.com/

Background: A veteran, former state trooper, and a Trump conservative, Mike Marsicano is running for Congress to take on the socialists, take back America, and stand up to Washington liberals. Born and raised in Hazleton, his life is built on the conservative values of family, hard work, and perseverance. He is the grandson of Italian immigrants who came to America to start a life in the land of opportunity. His mother was a garment factory worker, and his father, a plumber.

What qualifies you for office: Did not reply. According to his website, Marsicano began serving on the Hazleton City Council in 1990 and was elected mayor of the City of Hazleton in 1995. As mayor, Mike’s priority was supporting our men and women in law enforcement. Under his leadership, there were zero felonies committed, and Hazleton’s streets were safe.

Priorities: Did not reply. His website says Marsicano will take his leadership to Washington to stop election fraud, protect the unborn, support term limits, protect our gun rights, and secure the border