It’s a good day to be Paige Cognetti.

The mayor of Scranton and likely Democratic candidate for the 8th Congressional District just received an endorsement for the position from the highest-elected official in the Commonwealth.

Gov. Josh Shapiro praised Cognetti as an independent-minded reformer in his announcement.

“Mayor Paige Cognetti has been a fighter for Scranton – taking on corruption, making government faster and more efficient, and bringing people together to get stuff done for hard working families,” said Shapiro. “Paige restored trust in city hall by working hard for the communities she serves – and I know that’s the approach to public service she will bring to Congress. I know Paige will continue to be my partner in getting stuff done for Pennsylvanians – and I’m proud to endorse her in this campaign to win and go to Congress to protect our freedoms and deliver for NEPA families.”

Cognetti looks to unseat freshman Rep. Rob Bresnahan in the northeastern Pennsylvania seat, just two years after the CEO of Kuharchik Construction upended long-time Congressman Matt Cartwright.

“I’m incredibly proud to have the support of Governor Josh Shapiro, who has shown that government can actually get things done when our leaders prioritize the people they serve instead of their own self interest,” said Cognetti. “In Congress, I will take on the corruption in Washington that has led to a cost of living crisis which has put the American dream out of reach for so many in our community. I look forward to partnering with Governor Shapiro to lower costs for families in Northeastern Pennsylvania and give them a government that works as hard as they do.”

Cognetti is hoping to ride her popularity, the uneasiness voters may have with Bresnahan’s stock trading, as well as Shapiro’s coattails to Washington.

In return, Shapiro is hoping that his support of Congressional hopefuls Bob Brooks (PA-07), Janelle Stelson (PA-10), and Cognetti can help deliver wins in that trio of contests and help flip the U.S. House of Representatives back to Democrat control. A win in the gubernatorial race, as well as a change in the majority, would certainly bolster Shapiro’s profile headed into a probable 2028 presidential run.

Shapiro won PA-08 by more than nine points in 2022 – seven points better than Cartwright in his victory over Jim Bognet.

The governor’s endorsement joins those of Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-17), as well as Cartwright. Her campaign has raised nearly $1.15 million since its launch.