Stelson and Douglas show contrasting styles in PA-10 primary

TL;DR

Janelle Stelson and Justin Douglas compete in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District against Rep. Scott Perry.
Douglas pushes progressive reforms like abolishing ICE, while Stelson favors border security with deportation of some undocumented immigrants.
Their differences in style and policy highlight a contest between establishment-backed experience and independent reform focus ahead of the May primary.

The story at a glance

Former WGAL news anchor Janelle Stelson and Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas met separately with PennLive's editorial board to outline their cases for the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District. Stelson brings endorsements from her narrow 2024 loss to seven-term Rep. Scott Perry, while Douglas positions himself as a progressive underdog after his 2023 commissioner upset. The article contrasts their approaches as the May 19 primary nears, with no joint appearances yet.

Key points

Stelson, 65, has strong party backing from her 2024 run where she lost to Perry by about 5,000 votes; Douglas, 42, rejects PAC funding and emphasizes direct voter work.
On immigration, Douglas calls for abolishing ICE due to lost trust and starting a new agency with oversight; Stelson supports securing the border, deporting some undocumented immigrants (not Dreamers), and condemns recent ICE excesses.
Both back affordable health care, election reforms like same-day registration, oppose Trump's Iran war, and support Ukraine aid.
Douglas prioritizes federal earmarks, starting with Harrisburg parking assets; Stelson plans collaborative talks with local leaders across parties.
Perry faces a write-in challenge but is unopposed on the GOP primary ballot.

Details and context

Stelson entered politics after a long career as Lancaster's WGAL evening anchor and quickly gained traction with her 2024 performance in the district covering Dauphin, Cumberland, and York counties. Douglas shifted from 18 years as a pastor to politics, winning a 2023 Dauphin County commissioner seat that flipped control to Democrats for the first time in over a century.

Their leadership styles differ sharply: Stelson focuses on listening and building consensus, while Douglas embraces "radical clarity" and challenges norms, even praising Trump's transparency on issues despite disagreeing with his values.

The primary field includes others like Jason Cass, William Lillich, and Michael Robinson, but Stelson and Douglas dominate attention; Stelson has DCCC "Red to Blue" support.[[1]](https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2026/04/stelson-and-douglas-offer-contrasting-styles-in-pa-congressional-race.html)[[2]](https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-10th-congressional-district-janelle-stelson-justin-douglas/70702336)

Key quotes

Douglas on ICE: “I don’t think it’s a radical idea to say the number one tool we give law enforcement is trust. And they violated it repeatedly with no accountability.”[[1]](https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2026/04/stelson-and-douglas-offer-contrasting-styles-in-pa-congressional-race.html)
Stelson on recent enforcement: “I’m glad the border has been firmed up, but I do not like what’s been happening in neighborhoods across America. We’ve had American citizens shot and killed.”[[1]](https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2026/04/stelson-and-douglas-offer-contrasting-styles-in-pa-congressional-race.html)

Why it matters

The 10th District's Toss Up rating makes it a key battleground for House control, with Perry vulnerable after close races. Voters face a choice between Stelson's electability and Douglas's bold reforms, shaping the Democratic nominee against a Trump-aligned incumbent. Watch the May 19 primary results and any debates, as turnout could decide the general election matchup.