Rural Republicans Maintain Grip on Congress in Region

Incumbents Langworthy and Thompson hold strong support in their GOP-leaning districts

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Despite challenges from Democratic candidates, Republican incumbents Nick Langworthy of New York and Glenn 'G.T.' Thompson of Pennsylvania appear poised to retain their seats in Congress representing this region spanning two states. Both lawmakers have strong support in their highly Republican districts, with Thompson recently celebrating the signing of his 'Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act' by former President Trump.

Why it matters

The continued dominance of rural Republican representatives in this region highlights the partisan divide in Congress, as Democrats struggle to make inroads in these conservative-leaning districts. The outcomes of these races could impact the balance of power on key issues like agriculture, energy policy, and the economy.

The details

Langworthy and Thompson have taken steps to shore up support in their districts, with Langworthy announcing federal funding for projects in Chautauqua County and joining state lawmakers to back the repowering of the NRG plant in Dunkirk. Meanwhile, Democratic challengers like Ray Bilger and Aaron Gies are working to energize voters and present alternative visions, but face an uphill battle in these deeply red districts.

  • In January, Thompson stood with former President Trump as he signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law.
  • On February 12, Democratic challenger Ray Bilger launched his campaign in Warren County.
  • Last week, Langworthy made stops in Chautauqua County to announce federal funding and support for the repowering of the NRG plant.

The players

Nick Langworthy

The Republican incumbent representing New York's 23rd Congressional District, which includes Chautauqua and Erie counties as well as a large section of the Southern Tier.

Glenn 'G.T.' Thompson

The Republican incumbent representing Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District and chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.

Ray Bilger

A Democratic challenger for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, with a background in the military, intelligence, and foreign service.

Aaron Gies

A Democratic candidate challenging for New York's 23rd Congressional District, who has received endorsements from five parties within the district.

James King

A Republican challenger for New York's 23rd Congressional District, who considers himself a moderate and is from Tioga County.

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What they’re saying

“I have worked for over a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today, thanks to President Trump signing this into law.”

— Glenn 'G.T.' Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture

“This is the best chance we've had in almost two decades. But we need people on the ground.”

— Ray Bilger, Democratic challenger

“We can't afford to wait 10, 15, 20 years for new plants to come online while our grid is under strain right now. ... That's why we support converting this shuttered Dunkirk plant, this monument to bad policy. Repower NRG with natural gas. It can be done!”

— Nick Langworthy

“Since announcing my candidacy in August, I've spent time at over 79 events in communities throughout the district. I go to listen first. What I hear is consistent. People are working hard, but the basics feel further out of reach. I hear that they want a good life they can afford, a good life not stolen by corruption in Washington.”

— Aaron Gies, Democratic candidate

What’s next

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The takeaway

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