In a crucial race, the Pennsylvania Republican House candidate emphasizes his union affiliations.

• The northeast corner of Pennsylvania will determine which party holds the House of Representatives.
• In his advertisements, Republican Rob Bresnahan, a union contractor seeking to represent the state, is discussing his union affiliations.
• Although Democrats are known for supporting pro-union legislation, some workers believe Republicans are more effective in addressing immigration and inflation concerns.

Rob Bresnahan, a third-generation union contractor, talks about creating well-paying union jobs in his campaign's TV ads.

Bresnahan is emphasizing the importance of union ties in his campaign to defeat incumbent Democratic Rep. Cartwright.

In northeastern Pennsylvania, it's not surprising for a candidate to emphasize their union affiliations. However, it is quite unexpected for a Republican to be the one making this claim.

Although I have an 'R' next to my name, I am not against collective bargaining, Bresnahan stated at a local bar, while listing his accomplishments, including being the Chairman of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee and the health wellness and annuity trustee, which provide training and benefits to union members.

Bresnahan, who has a history of working closely with unions, was always able to put his hat on and say, "What's best for this organization at this time?"

Union workers are being targeted by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), despite union leaders remaining loyal to Democrats.

In Pennsylvania, where union members make up 14.1% of the state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, their support is crucial in the state's elections. This is because Pennsylvania is a must-win state for both the control of the White House and the Senate and House, according to election forecaster Cook Political Report.

Over the past decade, union households have increasingly leaned towards Republicans in both presidential and congressional races, although a majority still prefers Democrats. In close races like Bresnahan's, which is rated a toss-up by Cook Political Report, a few thousand votes can determine the outcome.

Despite the area becoming increasingly conservative, Cartwright has maintained his seat in the House for over a decade.

In 2020, Cartwright won reelection in his district with 52% of the vote, but in the presidential race, Trump won it with 51% of the vote, according to NBC data.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district is 72% white and has a median household income of $61,140 in 2023.

Local union leaders at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 44 Union Hall in Wilkes-Barre frequently referred to Cartwright as a "friend" in early October. They praised Cartwright for supporting pro-union policies and bringing millions in federal funding to the district, thanks to his role on the powerful appropriations committee.

"Keshia Williams, a certified nursing assistant and SEIU member, stated, "He supported us." She added, "He's been on the picket lines with us for nursing home workers and hospital workers alike. He's brought in a lot for our communities, our local communities.""

Cartwright said his loyalty to unions is deeper than elections.

""Our heritage and bloodlines are deeply rooted in the mining industry and the contributions of organized labor in northeastern Pennsylvania," Cartwright stated."

Numerous unions in the area, including locals chapters of the Teamsters, SEIU, and AFL-CIO, support Cartwright.

Bresnahan is shifting away from relying on significant endorsements and instead focusing on winning over individual union members, such as those he has worked with through his membership in the National Electrical Contractors Association, which has a long-standing partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Although he does not fully support major pro-labor legislation such as the PRO Act, Bresnahan's views on other issues, such as immigration, align with those of union members.

"Union members, who work daily, consider border security crucial, as they feel they are being overshadowed by the 10, 12, or 15 million illegal migrants entering the country unlawfully, according to Bresnahan in an interview with CNBC."

This year, Bresnahan is running for office for the first time after spending his career at his family's business, Kuharchik Construction, where he began as CFO at the age of 19 and later became CEO.

Critics have accused Bresnahan of selling his company to a Canadian private equity firm, but he defended the move, stating that he remains an owner in the company and that it resulted in the creation of more jobs.

Travis Buchanan, a local union worker, previously voted for Cartwright and believes he is good for unions. However, he now thinks Bresnahan is better suited for unions and other issues such as immigration and inflation.

"To ensure that we consider all our wants and needs, not just our labor side, we're taking steps," he stated. "If we can find a candidate who meets both requirements, that's ideal. That's what I see in Rob."

Some union members are increasingly feeling that Democrats are not doing enough for them. Teamsters President Sean O'Brien stated on a podcast that Democrats have "betrayed us for the past 40 years."

Although the Teamsters did not endorse a presidential candidate this year, O'Brien spoke at the Republican National Convention.

In 2020, the firefighters unions endorsed Biden, but later voted against both candidates in the 2022 election.

According to Cartwright, the Democrat's pro-union stance indicates that his party is the most beneficial for workers.

"He stated that most union members comprehend that the Democratic Party advocates for the rights of the working class, while the Republicans consistently attempt to undermine union protections."