Four Candidates Compete for Scranton’s Mayoral Seat

SCRANTON, Pa. — With the mayoral election just around the corner, four candidates are vying for the top seat in Scranton. Incumbent Democrat Paige Cognetti is running for re-election on November 4, seeking her second full term in office.

“We’ve been doing the work for six years,” Cognetti said. “We’ve taken ourselves from scandal and junk bond status to where we are today. We’re managing things and taking on large projects that previous administrations could not handle.”

Republican Trish Beynon is eager to be the first woman to lead the Electric City. “I want to make sure people know that I will work 100% for them going forward,” she stated. Beynon, who comes from a Polish and Irish background, emphasizes her dedication to serving the hard-working community.

Independent candidate Rik Little is new to the political arena but is a familiar face in Scranton. “I’m not a one-issue candidate,” Little expressed. “I’m looking at the holistic problem of the whole city.”

The fourth candidate, Gene Barrett, is also an independent and a longtime Scranton resident. Newswatch 16 attempted to reach Barrett for comment, but he did not respond.

Each candidate has laid out plans they hope to implement if elected. However, challengers Beynon and Little raised concerns about Cognetti’s commitment, considering her intention to run for the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, currently held by Republican Rob Bresnahan.

“She’s trying to run for a congressional seat at the same time,” Little remarked. “Where is she gonna be? She should focus on Scranton taxpayers.”

Cognetti defended her dual candidacy, assuring voters of her commitment to Scranton. “I would never do that to the people of Scranton,” she said. “I’ve always led with honesty, and that’s how we’ve been successful.”

As election day approaches, all candidates agree on one key point: the importance of voter participation. “People need to get out and vote next Tuesday, November 4, to make sure their voices are heard,” they stressed.