PITTSBURGH, PA — Two years ago, Democratic U.S. Rep. Summer Lee handily defeated her Republican challenger, Shadyside businessman James Hayes, in the race for Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District.
Will history repeat? The pair are squaring off again this time in the Nov. 3 General Election, two years after Lee bested Hayes by a 234,802-181,426 vote tally.
Lee, 38, a former state representative from Swissvale, is seeking her third term in office.
Hayes, who holds a bachelor's degree in international economics from Georgetown University, a master's degree in economics and policy from Princeton University, an MBA in finance and accounting from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate in business administration from Case Western Reserve, is attempting to thwart those plans.
The pair are battling for the congressional seat representing Pittsburgh, some of its eastern suburbs, the Mon Valley and a slice of Westmoreland County.
Lee holds a substantial fundraising edge over her opponent. She had $1.4 million in total receipts for the 2025-26 election cycle, according to Federal Election Commission Data. Hayes raised $40,138 during the election cycle.
"The biggest issue facing our district and this country is that our government has been bought and paid for by billionaires and corporate interests. And until we deal with that, we are going to keep fighting the same battles over and over again," Lee recently told the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh.
"Why is housing still unaffordable? Why is health care treated like a luxury? Why are parents struggling to afford child care while our kids are still not safe in their schools? Too many people in power are serving wealthy donors, corporate lobbyists, and special interests instead of the working people who sent them there."
Hayes, 65, told the League of Women Voters that Western Pennsylvania needs an economy that rewards work, safe communities, affordable energy and a government focused on results.
"I would work to lower taxes and unnecessary regulatory burdens, expand American energy production, strengthen
manufacturing and supply chains, secure the border, and support law enforcement," he said.
"We must also improve educational opportunities and make healthcare more affordable. My experience in manufacturing, finance and business has taught me that good policy must
work in the real world."
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