If you’re looking for a simple yes or no, here’s the reality: Matt Cartwright did not win his 2024 re-election bid. Honestly, it was one of the biggest upsets in Pennsylvania’s recent political history. After twelve years of holding down a seat in a district that was increasingly leaning red, the Scranton-area Democrat finally hit a wall he couldn’t climb over.
He lost to Republican newcomer Rob Bresnahan Jr. in a race that was basically a nail-biter until the very end.
The Results: Did Matt Cartwright Win the 2024 Election?
When the dust settled on November 5, 2024, the numbers were incredibly tight. Bresnahan pulled in 50.7% of the vote, while Cartwright finished with 49.1%. We’re talking about a difference of just a few thousand votes in a district that includes places like Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Hazleton.
It wasn't just a loss for Cartwright; it was a major shift for the region. For years, Matt Cartwright was seen as the "survivor." He was one of the few Democrats who could win in "Trump country." In 2016 and 2020, Donald Trump won this district, yet Cartwright managed to keep his seat. But 2024 was different. The "Trump effect" at the top of the ticket was just too strong this time around.
Cartwright conceded the race on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. He didn't make a big scene or demand a recount. He basically said he was proud of his 12-year run and that he’d "gone down swinging" for the working people of Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA).
Why the "Scranton Survivor" Finally Lost
You’ve gotta wonder how a guy with an $8 million campaign chest loses to a 34-year-old businessman who had never run for office before. It wasn't for lack of trying or money. Cartwright actually outspent Bresnahan significantly.
So, what went wrong?
👉 See also: The Falling Man: What Really Happened to Jonathan Briley
- The Inflation Factor: Bresnahan hammered Cartwright on the cost of living. In every debate and TV ad, the message was: "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" For many voters in NEPA, the answer was no.
- The Biden Connection: Cartwright was frequently tied to the policies of the Biden administration. Since Scranton is Joe Biden’s hometown, you’d think that would help, but it actually became a weight around Cartwright's neck as the President's approval ratings dipped.
- A New Kind of Opponent: Rob Bresnahan wasn't a career politician. He ran the family construction business. He leaned into his youth and his "local guy" image, which resonated with voters tired of the same old names on the ballot.
Money Didn't Buy a Win This Time
Interestingly, Cartwright raised about $8.6 million compared to Bresnahan's $4.5 million. But if you look at the outside spending—the PACs and dark money—it tells a different story. GOP-aligned groups dumped over $11 million into the race to boost Bresnahan. That leveled the playing field and then some.
Is Matt Cartwright Running Again in 2026?
This is the question everyone in Pennsylvania politics was asking throughout early 2025. Could he pull a "Grover Cleveland" and come back for his old seat?
In June 2025, Matt Cartwright officially put those rumors to bed. Standing in front of a new emergency services building in Moosic—a project he helped fund—he announced that he will not run for Congress in 2026.
He mentioned the 80-hour work weeks and the strain the job takes on a family. He’s 63 now, and after 12 years in D.C., he seems ready to pass the torch. He did joke that his wife, attorney Marion Munley, was trying to hide the "Run Matt Run" messages from him.
What is Matt Cartwright Doing Now?
Just because he’s out of Congress doesn't mean he’s retired to a beach somewhere. As of early 2026, Cartwright is still very active in Pennsylvania.
📖 Related: Why Your Winter Storm Washington DC Survival Plan Usually Fails
He currently serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority. If you’ve heard about the big push to bring passenger rail service back between Scranton and New York City, that’s largely his project. He’s obsessed with it. He’s also staying involved in local economic development, often popping up at ribbon-cuttings for projects he secured funding for while he was the Chairman of a House Appropriations subcommittee.
The State of the 8th District in 2026
Since taking office in January 2025, Rob Bresnahan has had a busy first year. He’s been a reliable vote for the Republican majority, but he’s also tried to keep some of that "bipartisan" flair that Cartwright was known for. For example, he recently introduced the Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act alongside a Democrat from New York.
However, the 8th District remains a "toss-up" territory. The Cook Political Report currently rates the 2026 race as "Lean Republican," but the Democrats are already looking for someone to challenge Bresnahan. Names like Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti have been floated, though nothing is set in stone yet.
🔗 Read more: How Many People Watched the Inauguration on TV: What Most People Get Wrong
Key Takeaways for Voters
- Incumbency isn't a shield: Even a 12-year veteran with a massive war chest can lose if the national mood shifts.
- The 8th District is the ultimate bellwether: If you want to know how the country is feeling, look at Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
- Economic issues trump all: Despite all the talk about social issues, this race was won and lost on grocery prices and utility bills.
If you’re following the 2026 midterms, keep an eye on how the Democrats try to fill the void Cartwright left. He was a unique politician who could speak "blue-collar" and "D.C. lawyer" at the same time. Replacing that brand won't be easy for the PA Dems.
Actionable Insights for Following PA Politics:
- Monitor the Railroad Project: Follow the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority's updates to see if Cartwright’s signature project actually breaks ground.
- Watch the 2026 Primary: Keep an eye on who the Democrats nominate in the 8th District; they’ll need a "moderate" profile to have any chance of unseating Bresnahan.
- Check Local Town Halls: Rob Bresnahan has been holding more frequent "telephone town halls" than Cartwright did in his later years—joining these is the best way to see if he's keeping his "local guy" promises.