(WHTM) – Congressman Scott Perry (R) and Chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party Eugene DePasquale joined Dennis Owens on This Week in Pennsylvania after a tumultuous week across the country.
On Wednesday, Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, was assassinated while speaking at an event in Utah. The shooting has renewed the conversation on political violence and the tone of lawmakers in Washington.
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President Trump has been criticized by some for highlighting attacks on Republicans, but not those on Democrats, like Governor Josh Shapiro, after his home was attacked by an arsonist.
“Obviously, the president is concerned about it; we all are,” Perry said of the rising political violence in the United States. “What I think he wants to do is point out, even though he didn’t mention Governor Shapiro or the governors in the Midwest, it’s generally speaking, unfortunately this actual violence is coming from one political side and not the other. And I think that’s the point he’s trying to make, and I think for too long people have been unwilling to talk about it, and of course, the president often wades into things people have been unwilling to go in the past.”
Pennsylvania Democrats elect ex-Auditor General as chairman
Later in the program, DePasquale outlined his plan as Chair of the state Democratic Party in the upcoming elections. Priority number one, DePasquale says, is to win the state Supreme Court retention vote and get Governor Josh Shapiro re-elected in 2026.
“As well as,” DePasquale said, “flipping those congressional districts and putting a check on Donald Trump.”
A twice-elected Auditor General who lost the Attorney General race in 2024, DePasquale says he wants to “broaden” the tent of people in the party. “Having more partners in this coalition is important. This isn’t about throwing anyone out of the tent, it’s about building a coalition.”
DePasquale noted the support of Senator John Fetterman and Governor Josh Shapiro, who have had opposing views on several issues, shows he’s building the coalition needed to help the party.
DePasquale was also asked about the 10th District Democratic primary race against Perry in 2026, which currently features 2024 Democratic nominee and former television anchor Janelle Stelson, Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas, and Army veteran William Lillich.
Stelson is endorsed by Governor Shapiro; however, DePasquale says the state party will not endorse a candidate in the race unless the local party picks a candidate.
“Look, Scott’s a tough opponent, but I do think we’re gonna win,” said DePasquale.
Every week, This Week in Pennsylvania gives a comprehensive look at the week’s biggest news events in Pennsylvania, provided by the abc27 News team, along with the latest updates on local stories.
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