Republican Rep. Mike Kelly won reelection to the U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating Democrat Jason Wagner, according to CBS News’ election projection.
The victory keeps the northwestern Pennsylvania congressional seat in Republican hands, securing another term for Kelly, who has represented the region in Congress since 2011. The 16th Congressional District encompasses Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence and Butler counties, along with part of Venango County.
Kelly, a Butler County businessman and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, has represented northwestern Pennsylvania in Congress since 2011. The 78-year-old former automobile dealership owner campaigned on lowering costs, strengthening American manufacturing, supporting tariffs and advancing Republican economic policies.
Wagner, a 47-year-old automation engineer from Mercer County and U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and South Korea, challenged Kelly on affordability, government accountability and economic policy. Wagner, who previously worked in manufacturing, criticized broad tariffs and unpredictable trade policies, arguing that they increase costs for Pennsylvania businesses and working families.
