The first TV ads of the season are up for Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District.

Freshman Democratic incumbent Chris Deluzio faces off against GOP challenger Rep. Rob Mercuri in a race that Republicans hope can be flipped and add to their majority in Washington.

Deluzio won his seat in Congress with a 27,000-vote plurality (53-47%) over Republican Jeremy Shaffer in 2022.

Deluzio’s campaign made a six-figure buy that focuses on his work to improve rail safety after the February 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment, which disrupted life for many of his constituents in Beaver County.

Transcript

“When a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, those toxins went into our air and water in Western PA.

I’m Chris Deluzio. Disasters like this happen when corporations put their profits over of our family safety. So in Congress I’m leading the railway safety act working with Democrats and Republicans to hold them accountable.

Chris is doing the work. Just the presence, the awareness, the attention … it means so much to all of the families and to my family.

I’m Chris Deluzio and I approve this message.”

Mercuri’s campaign also made a six-figure investment on digital, OTT/CTV, broadcast, and cable. He highlights how Washington can do more to improve the lives of Western Pennsylvanians and why we need to do better, as a country.

Transcript

Well it was the debates. I thought is this what our kids will think America can be.

I’ve never shied away from service whether at West Point or two tours in Iraq. I started a business, gave back to the community that raised me.

Washington can do more to lower costs, protect our families, and secure our future. We can do better but we have to be better too.

Leading us forward, Rob Mercuri for Congress. I’m Rob Mercuri and I approve this message.”