The Butler County Democratic Party hosted a meet-and-greet for Democratic candidates running for state and federal office Saturday afternoon at the United Auto Workers hall in Butler.
The event brought together local party members, volunteers, and voters to hear directly from candidates seeking to represent Butler County and surrounding areas in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. The gathering was emceed by Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel, who emphasized grassroots organizing, volunteer engagement, and the importance of contested races in traditionally Republican-leaning districts.
State House Candidates Highlight Local Issues
Among the candidates was Brandon Dukes, who is running for Pennsylvania’s 12th Legislative District, which includes parts of Cranberry Township, Adams Township, Mars, Valencia, and surrounding communities. Dukes, who narrowly lost a Cranberry Township supervisor race last fall, said demographic changes and increasing political engagement in the district motivated him to run for state office.
Brandon Dukes, a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 12th Legislative District.
As of this weekend, no Republican candidate has formally announced a run for the district, though the primary election is not scheduled until May.
Dukes spoke about affordability, transparency in state government, and the need for competitive elections in areas that have often seen uncontested races. He encouraged attendees to volunteer, display yard signs, and engage neighbors as the campaign ramps up.
Also addressing the crowd was Rick Telesz, who is running for Pennsylvania’s 8th Legislative District against Republican incumbent Aaron Bernstein. A retired dairy farmer, Telesz framed his campaign as a grassroots effort focused on everyday concerns shared across township and county lines.
Rick Telesz, a retired dairy farmer and candidate for Pennsylvania’s 8th Legislative District, addresses attendees.
Telesz said conversations with voters consistently center on similar issues regardless of geography, and he encouraged attendees to share his name with friends and neighbors, even if they themselves are not eligible to vote in his district. He emphasized accessibility and community dialogue as core elements of his campaign.
Congressional Candidate Calls for Change in Washington
Veteran Justin Wagner listens to constituents during the meet and greet.
At the federal level, attendees heard from Justin Wagner, who is running for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 16th District against longtime Republican Congressman Mike Kelly.
Wagner, a military veteran, delivered a prepared speech focused on constitutional rights, economic pressures facing working families, and what he described as a lack of accountability in Washington. He criticized rising costs for essentials such as housing, healthcare, and groceries, and argued that working families are increasingly disconnected from decisions made at the federal level.
Wagner said his campaign is centered on door-to-door engagement and direct voter contact, and he urged supporters to remain involved through volunteering and turnout efforts as the election approaches.
Emphasis on Grassroots Engagement
Throughout the afternoon, speakers repeatedly returned to the theme of grassroots organizing — encouraging attendees to become precinct committee members, distribute campaign materials, and help identify potential voters. Party leaders also highlighted the importance of sustained voter contact and local visibility in competitive races.
The event concluded with an informal question-and-answer period, allowing attendees to speak directly with the candidates and campaign volunteers.
