DHS Accuses Democratic Candidate Amid Close Pennsylvania House Race

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized Democratic candidate Janelle Stelson in a statement this week, as polls indicate she is close to unseating Republican Representative Scott Perry in a traditionally conservative district centered around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, DHS accused Stelson’s campaign of hiring Chimaobim Adedayo Igbojekwe, an undocumented immigrant who allegedly exposed himself in public, as a canvasser. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Igbojekwe on October 1 after he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, according to DHS. ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall stated it was “unbelievable” for Stelson to employ an undocumented immigrant with a criminal record in a Congressional campaign.

A police report quoted Igbojekwe claiming he was in the area to distribute flyers for Stelson’s campaign, presenting a stack of flyers to an officer. DHS disclosed that Igbojekwe entered the U.S. legally in June 2017 but overstayed his authorized time in November 2019. He received deferred action status from the Biden administration in September 2021.

Stelson’s campaign denied employing Igbojekwe in comments to the Associated Press (AP). They stated, “If he is an illegal immigrant who committed a crime, he should be deported. We had no prior knowledge of him before his arrest was reported.” The AP found no record of payments to Igbojekwe in Stelson’s campaign finance reports.

This controversy arises as the Pennsylvania 10th Congressional District becomes a key battleground in the midterms. Though traditionally Republican, the district has shifted more purple over the past decade. In 2024, Perry narrowly won against Stelson by a single percentage point. Democrats aim to regain House control, and this district is a prime target.

Daniel J. Mallinson, a public policy and administration professor at Penn State Harrisburg, described the race as “incredibly competitive.” He noted, “Stelson lost in 2024 by less than a percentage point, which was the closest anyone came to defeating Perry since he entered Congress. Political conditions now appear more favorable for Stelson.”

Polling Trends

The latest Franklin & Marshall College poll conducted from September 9 to 20 showed Stelson leading by 3 points among 378 registered voters. An earlier survey by Normington, Petts & Associates revealed a 6-point lead for Stelson among 400 registered voters from April 20 to 23, with a margin of error of ±4.9 percentage points. The Cook Political Report recently moved the race from a toss-up to leaning Democratic based on these poll results.

According to Mallinson, voters in the district are focused on issues like affordability and data centers. Stelson attempts to associate Perry with the unpopular President Trump, while Perry links Stelson to Democratic Socialists, which she has not explicitly endorsed.

Controversy Over DHS Statement

The DHS statement has faced criticism, particularly from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), which filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, alleging a violation of the Hatch Act. CREW President Donald Sherman criticized the statement for its electoral implications.

On the other hand, Perry demanded Stelson explain why an undocumented immigrant participated in her campaign’s outreach. He insisted she directly address the situation, viewing her denial of knowledge as “insulting at best.”

Forecasts and Market Predictions

According to prediction markets, Stelson holds a 73% chance of winning on Kalshi and an 81% chance on Polymarket as of Saturday afternoon. These markets, reflecting trader sentiment, fluctuate based on polling, fundraising, and broader political trends.

District Dynamics

The district covers Dauphin County, which includes Harrisburg, along with parts of Cumberland and York Counties. It encompasses some of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing areas, crucial for electoral balance. Historically, the Central Pennsylvania region favored Republicans, leaning towards Trump in previous elections. However, court-ordered redistricting in 2018 made the district more competitive.

With potential gains for Democrats in 2026, due to typical midterm losses by the party controlling the White House and Trump’s declining approval, Democrats are optimistic about flipping challenging districts like Pennsylvania’s 10th.

The Pennsylvania 10th District could indicate broader electoral trends. Both campaigns are actively engaging voters, with the last day to register in Pennsylvania on October 19 and the deadline for mail-in ballot requests on October 27.