Cognetti’s Crime Problem
New reporting shows Scranton crime “spiked” under Mayor Paige Cognetti’s leadership.
Frankly, it’s not surprising since she supports de-arming police officers.
Read more below.
Scranton crime spike dogs Dem mayor as she challenges GOP Rep in Biden’s hometown
February 17, 2026
“Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti is battling a crime crisis in former President Joe Biden’s hometown as she mounts a challenge against freshman GOP Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. in an evenly divided swing district.
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A 2024 New York Post report cited Scranton residents concerned about crime, including gang-related shootings, a student found with a gun outside Scranton High School, SWAT responses to domestic disturbances and scholastic lacrosse players who had to be ushered to their cars by police after gunfire erupted nearby.
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In response to the crime debate, Bresnahan campaign manager Peter Brath said that Cognetti “has repeatedly shown a stunning disregard for the safety of her constituents, including the very law enforcement officers sworn to protect them.”
“She downplays rising gang violence and murders, wants to disarm the police, and was recently caught partying in New York City just days after the brutal machete murders of two women and a service dog devastated the community.””