On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the 2026 Midterm Elections will take place across our nation. Every seat in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats will be up for grabs, determining the balance of power in the U.S. Congress as we enter the latter half of President Trump’s second term in the Oval Office.
Penn State Behrend resides in Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District, and making the decision to cast your ballot on Nov. 3 will directly impact not only the future of our congressional district, but also the policies that may be implemented at a federal level. Congress serves as a check to either enable or hinder the agenda set by the executive branch.
Our staff at the Behrend Beacon interviewed both Mike Kelly, the Republican incumbent who has represented our area in Congress since 2011, and Justin Wagner, his democratic challenger. Both interviews were conducted via email. Our goal is to share both candidates’ ideas with you, the student body, so that you can make an informed decision when you cast your ballot.
A separate article has been posted to our website that includes the transcript of our interview with Justin Wagner. Below is the transcript for our interview with Mike Kelly:
Byham: “What is your message to students who feel disengaged from politics? Why should young people vote, and why should they vote for you?”
Kelly: “I believe that voting is a fundamental right of every American. It’s an opportunity for you to share your voice and to engage in our democracy. I would encourage everyone to get out and vote this November. The future of our nation depends on young people, like students here at Penn State Behrend, actively participating in their government. During my time in Congress, I’ve been proud to focus on legislation and working with local partners to invest in and support our local communities, colleges, and constituents across Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District. Since I’ve been in Congress, more than $3.6 billion has been invested in projects and programs across our district.”
Byham: “Should Pennsylvania welcome data center development, and what would you say about the environmental and economic concerns surrounding it?”
Kelly: “Pennsylvanians shouldn’t be footing the bill for electricity to power data centers, plain and simple. That’s why I recently voted in favor of the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation which requires data centers to pay for their own power for these facilities. American leadership in artificial intelligence is critical to our economic and national security, and data centers will play an important role in supporting the technology and innovation of the future. We can strengthen America’s leadership in AI while protecting families from unnecessary increases in their electricity bills. It’s another reason I support an all-of-the-above energy policy. I will continue supporting commonsense policies that put Pennsylvania families first while strengthening American energy production and technological leadership.”
Byham: “What is your plan to address the affordability concerns facing college students and working families?”
Kelly: “In 2025, Congress passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, a series of pro-growth policies that make sure hardworking Pennsylvanians can keep more of the money they earn. This includes new deductions such as ‘No Tax on Tips’ and ‘No Tax on Overtime.’ The legislation lowers the tax rates for Pennsylvanians across the board, saving Americans of all ages more money. In all, the legislation saved more than $82 billion in individual tax relief this year, according to the Treasury Department. It’s meaningful legislation that saves the average Pennsylvania family thousands of dollars every year. Particularly for college students, I’m proud to lead the College Transparency Act, which modernizes the college reporting system for postsecondary data by providing accurate reporting on costs, and student outcomes such as enrollment, completion, and post-college earnings across colleges and majors.”
Byham: “You were sworn into the U.S. Congress in 2011, and you are seeking your eighth consecutive term. What motivates you to continue to run for political office, and what is your favorite part about representing our area and your constituents? What do you feel you still have left to accomplish for the people of Northwestern PA?”
Kelly: “Our district is home to so many wonderful people, some incredible natural resources such as Lake Erie, and hardworking Pennsylvanians who get up every day ready to support their families and their country. It’s my honor to serve as your voice in Washington, and I’m running for re-election because I think there is still so much to accomplish for the communities we love. I believe that Congress must continue to address pressing issues, such as housing accessibility and affordability, comprehensive immigration reform, and meaningfully addressing everyday issues facing Pennsylvanians across the board.”
Byham: “What has been your favorite part about the campaign trail? “
Kelly: “I love getting out and talking to constituents directly. We recently visited Penn State Behrend to meet with local students; and, we visited with our neighbors in Corry and other communities across Erie County. During every stop, I’m always reminded of the reason I love this job – it’s the people. As I often say, I like to take Pennsylvania’s values to Washington, not the other way around. That’s because where we are from, we know the value of a hard day’s work, the importance of family, and our strong faith that holds everything together.”
Byham: “What is your message to college-aged voters who will eventually become the future generation of leaders in our country?”
Kelly: “My message to college-aged voters is simple: you are the future of this country. You will help to shape the future of the United States. It’s important for younger generations to become engaged, make their voice heard, and support the causes and values that matter to them.”
On behalf of the entire Behrend Beacon staff, we would like to thank Mike Kelly and Justin Wagner for their time, cooperation, and transparency. We highly encourage all eligible voters at Penn State Behrend to vote in the upcoming Midterm Elections. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.
To find your polling place, please visit this polling place search tool provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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