Lehigh Valley congressional races rank among top ten most expensive in 2024

The 2024 congressional race in Lehigh Valley became one of the most expensive in the U.S., with nearly $37 million spent. Republican Ryan Mackenzie defeated three-term Democrat Susan Wild, marking the second consecutive costly election for Pennsylvania's 7th District. In addition, the 8th District race saw Republican Rob Bresnahan unseat six-term Democrat Matt Cartwright, with over $32 million spent. Both races ranked among the top ten for ad spending nationwide, reflecting a trend of increasing campaign costs since 2020. Independent groups played a significant role, spending over $20 million in the 7th District and $19.2 million in the 8th. The rise in spending is attributed to factors like the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which allows unlimited spending by super PACs.