Republican Rob Bresnahan, who defeated a six-term House Democrat, shares his strategy for success.

In the 8th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, voters chose to replace six-term incumbent Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., with a young, energetic and successful businessman who claims to be prepared to defend their interests in Washington D.C.

In an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Republican Rep.-elect Rob Bresnahan, 34, reveals that he was able to defeat progressive Congressman Cartwright, who had served for over a decade, by focusing on "kitchen table issues" that resonated with northeastern Pennsylvanians.

Bresnahan stated that during the 13-month period when they were door-knocking and conversing with individuals, the initial response from everyone was, "I can't afford my bills, rent, mortgage, school property taxes, and groceries."

Pennsylvanians are struggling to afford living costs due to rising food and gas prices, according to Bresnahan. Meanwhile, illegal immigrants are being provided with free food, housing, and benefits, while billions in foreign aid are being sent to other countries, making Americans feel like they are being treated unfairly by their government.

"Our neighbors are looking around at us and saying, "Hey, what about us here?" They couldn't help but feel that they have been put second for a long time."

Before being elected to the House of Representatives, Bresnahan was already a success story as a fifth-generation native of Luzerne County who, at just 19 years old, was entrusted to be CFO of his grandfather's construction company, which builds electrical infrastructure for municipalities and highways throughout Pennsylvania.

During his time at the University of Scranton, he divided his college years between the office and classes, working tirelessly to revive the business from the aftermath of the global financial crisis. His efforts were rewarded as the business flourished, and he was appointed CEO upon graduation in 2013.

"In 2021, he shared with the Citizen's Voice that he was still living at home with his parents while also managing a company with 58 employees, all while not being able to legally drink a Coors Light. Despite the heavy workload, he stated that he would make the same sacrifice again."

As time went on, Bresnahan, like many Americans, became convinced that the country was moving in the wrong direction. The policies being implemented from Washington, D.C. were detrimental to his business, his employees, and the people they served. Consequently, he decided to enter politics in an attempt to make a positive impact.

Bresnahan stated that the country was not on the right course with the current situation on the southern border. Life was unaffordable for the average person, and he was always ready to roll up his sleeves and dive into action.

Bresnahan's successful congressional campaign centered on securing the border, reducing taxes, and cutting government spending, while also creating "family-sustaining jobs" in Pennsylvania and supporting law enforcement. In April, he received an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump posted on Truth Social, "Unlike his opponent, Matt Cartwright, who is completely beholden to Nancy Pelosi and the Radical Left, Rob, a successful Businessman, has worked hard to create jobs and grow the economy."

The pro-growth agenda of the incoming Republican majority in Congress is ready to be implemented with the campaign behind them, says Bresnahan.

"On day one, Jan. 3 at 12:01 p.m., we must secure the border immediately after being sworn in," he stated to Planet Chronicle Digital. "I believe there will be a comprehensive plan, but securing the border is a clear victory right from the start."

Bresnahan argues that Congress and the Trump administration can address high prices by reducing energy costs, specifically in Pennsylvania where 52% of homes are heated from natural gas. He emphasizes that policymakers should stop demonizing natural resources, as the natural gas industry generates $45 billion annually and contributes $76 billion to the state's GDP through fracking.

The national debt, currently at $36 trillion, is a significant burden on the economy, according to Bresnahan. Additionally, the country is spending more on debt servicing than on national defense.

When Congress reconvenes in January, the young lawmaker stated that there will be difficult decisions regarding discretionary spending. However, two of the largest contributors to the federal debt and deficit will not be addressed.

Bresnahan stated that it is clear that we cannot reduce Medicare or Social Security. We must maintain it for the current generation and find ways to maintain it for future generations. However, he believes that there is no one-size-fits-all policy for the national debt and federal government expenditures.

He stated that illegal immigrants should not receive benefits from programs that Americans have funded, such as Social Security and Medicare.

The 2017 tax cuts, enacted during Trump's first term, are expected to be extended by Republicans. Bresnahan supports these tax cuts and believes that economic growth resulting from deregulation, infrastructure investments, and job creation can offset any potential revenue losses.

""We need to create economic conditions that encourage Americans to return to work," he stated."

These careers, such as carpenters, plumbers, and electricians, are excellent family-sustaining options with immediate annuities, health insurance for your loved ones, and the opportunity to earn while you learn.

Bresnahan emphasized the importance of the United States maintaining its status as a global superpower and achieving peace through strength in foreign policy.

He emphasized the need for responsible efforts to push back against Russian aggression, while acknowledging growing GOP opposition to foreign aid, including to Ukraine.

"Putin is a war criminal and must be stopped," he stated. "I support the provision of weapons, missiles, and rockets, as there is a manufacturing facility within my district. However, I demand accountability for the raw, hard dollars that have been sent. I require audits to be conducted to ensure they are being used for the intended causes."

Bresnahan, echoing Trump's views on putting America first, stated that Europe must match the U.S.'s contributions to foreign aid when it comes to the point of "enough is enough."

"Once again, I am examining the issue of 25% of my bridges being structurally deficient. We have aging infrastructure levees that safeguard over $1 trillion of property in the United States. You are discussing power distribution grids that have not been reinvested in since the 1950s, with 50 years of usable life. Additionally, we have been without power for several days now, which could potentially last a week (Editor's note: A blizzard in Breshanan's district delayed this interview). Unfortunately, Europe did not send over trucks to assist us in rebuilding our grids."

"Although Ukraine is facing a lot of challenges, we must prioritize taking care of our own citizens. We must focus on our own Americans. I believe that Donald Trump's victory in the election was due to his emphasis on putting the spotlight on us," he stated.

Bresnahan aims to provide practical solutions to the intricate problems confronting Americans. He has vowed to collaborate with anyone who proposes a beneficial idea, regardless of their political affiliation, and has received support from both No Labels and the Problem Solvers Caucus. Although he identifies as a "fiscal conservative," he rejects political labels because "I believe that confirmation bias is not the appropriate approach to resolving any issue."

He stated that most challenges can be resolved through constructive and robust discussions.

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., gained national attention before this interview for proposing a resolution that would prevent Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., a transgender lawmaker who is biologically male, from utilizing the women's bathrooms in the capitol.

While Bresnahan believes that biological men should not play in women's sports or use their facilities, the conflict between Mace and McBride diverts attention from pressing issues facing Americans, such as deteriorating infrastructure and exorbitant living expenses.

"I refuse to allow the 119th Congress to be taken over by discussions about bathrooms, when we have been elected to address the real issues facing the American people. That's why I'm heading to Washington, D.C. to focus on providing solutions."

Planet Chronicle Digital's Emma Colton contributed to this report.