Democratic incumbent Matt Cartwright has been projected as the winner of the 8th Congressional District race for the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Associated Press called the race at 1:02 p.m. for Cartwright who has served in Washington since 2013.
He has a 6,600-vote lead over Republican challenger Jim Bognet whom Cartwright defeated in 2020 by a 52-48% decision. The Democrat’s margin has narrowed to 51.1 to 48.8 but is enough for the AP to make the projection.
Election officials in Luzerne County dealt with a paper issue that caused misfeeds in ballot scanners. It caused a judge to declare that county polling places had to remain open until 10 p.m.
“I’d like to thank the voters of northeastern Pennsylvania for electing me to serve another term as your congressman,” he said to supporters at the John Mitchell statue on the Lackawanna County Courthouse. “I look forward to continuing to fight for the working people of our community. Whether you voted for me or not in this election, I promise I work for you.”
updated to include Cartwright quote