PA 17
Pa.-17 encompasses western and southern Allegheny County and all of Beaver County. Following an uneventful primary campaign, Deluzio and Mercuri have traded barbs as Deluzio has inched ahead in local polling. Deluzio has run on a platform of labor rights, support for local industry, and public safety, while Mercuri has focused on economic deregulation, border security, and support for Israel.
Chris Deluzio
Biography
Incumbent. Grew up in Thornburg.
Naval Academy grad, Iraq War veteran, Georgetown Law grad. University of Pittburgh professor and union organizer. Won in new Pa.-17 following Conor Lamb’s departure.
Abortion
Lists reproductive freedom as a “core value.” Supports federal and state action to codify abortion rights. Supports federal coverage of abortion and contraceptive care.
The Economy
Staunch advocate of railroad regulation following East Palestine derailment. Criticized sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel. Supports legislation to limit monopolies. Has supported “blue hydrogen” technology.
Social Welfare Programs
Supports social security expansion as way to offset fewer pensions. Wants to expand Medicare and Medicaid and supports higher staffing levels at VA. Wants to fund safety net expansion using raised cap on payroll taxes for the wealthy.
Criminal Justice
Supports legislation expanding background checks, mental healthcare access, and school security. Wants to reinstate assault weapons ban and limit gun magazine capacity. Member of the Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus.
Immigration
Supported scuttled bipartisan border security bill. Supported the Dignity Act, which proposed tighter security while easing the path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants.
Rob Mercuri
Biography
Grew up in Deer Lakes. West Point grad and Iraq War vet. UMass MBA. Work experience in PNC and shipping company. Outgoing Pa. Rep. for District 28.
Abortion
Supported six-week “heartbeat bill” abortion ban and had espoused “pro-life” views before wiping them from website. Endorsed by anti-abortion PACs. Has nevertheless “opposed criminalizing abortion” in the Pa. House.
The Economy
Has criticized “Biden economy” and supports tax cuts. Supports deregulation of fossil fuels and fracking. Criticized sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel before sponsoring legislation that would encourage the sale.
Social Welfare Programs
Says he wouldn’t cut Medicare or Social Security. Wants to “accelerate advanced healthcare innovation.” Supports veteran treatment courts for veterans suffering from addiction and mental illness.
Criminal Justice
Deplores policies “defunding the police.” Criticized by gun groups for supporting universal background checks. Hopes to “establish multi-jurisdictional drug task forces” while expanding treatment options for opioid users.
Immigration
Supported bill prohibiting declaration of “sanctuary cities.” Says only way to stop flow of opioids is to “seal the border once and for all.”
This article appears in Oct 16-22, 2024 and Election Guide (Late 2024).
