Pottsville Native Brings Congressional Campaign to Williamsport

Rachel Wallace, a Democratic challenger to Congressman Dan Meuser, held a fundraiser in Williamsport to build her campaign's financial foundation.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:00pm

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A warm, cinematic painting depicting a solitary political campaign sign or podium in a dimly lit, industrial-style space, conveying a sense of quiet determination and the potential for change.A political campaign event in a revitalized industrial space reflects the energy and momentum behind a challenger's bid to unseat a long-serving incumbent.

Rachel Wallace, a Democratic congressional candidate for Pennsylvania's 9th District, held a fundraiser in Williamsport on March 28 to raise funds for her campaign to challenge incumbent Republican Congressman Dan Meuser. The event, hosted by Williamsport City Councilman Jonah Milliken, was aimed at building Wallace's financial resources for yard signs, office space, staff, and getting her message out to voters across the district.

Why it matters

Wallace is positioning herself as a challenger to Meuser, a four-term Republican incumbent, in what is expected to be a competitive race. Her campaign has focused on issues like opposing plans for immigration detention centers in the district and criticizing Meuser's healthcare votes that have impacted local hospitals.

The details

The fundraiser, called "Pints for the People," took place at the Pajama Factory's Clerestory Ballroom and featured ticket prices ranging from $50 to $100. Several local Democratic officials, including Mayor Derek Slaughter, County Commissioner Mark Mussina, and City Councilman Jonah Milliken, were in attendance to show their support for Wallace's campaign. Wallace said the funds raised would go toward campaign essentials like yard signs, office space, staff, and getting her message out to voters.

  • The fundraiser was held on March 28, 2026 from 4 to 6 p.m.
  • The Democratic primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The players

Rachel Wallace

A Democratic congressional candidate for Pennsylvania's 9th District who is challenging incumbent Republican Congressman Dan Meuser. Wallace is a Pottsville native with an extensive background in public service, including working for former Congressman Tim Holden and serving as chief of staff for the Biden Administration's White House Office of Management and Budget.

Congressman Dan Meuser

The four-term Republican incumbent in Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District who is being challenged by Rachel Wallace.

Jonah Milliken

A Williamsport City Councilman who hosted the fundraiser event for Rachel Wallace's congressional campaign.

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What they’re saying

“I think people in Williamsport are ready to see leadership that meets us where we're at. She has energy and momentum, and I'm rooting for her.”

— Jonah Milliken, Williamsport City Councilman

“I just felt like the bar was too low, and that we deserve representation that is from here, for here, rooted in the community.”

— Rachel Wallace

What’s next

The Democratic primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026, where Wallace will face off against fellow Democrats Daniel Byron and Jennifer Brothers for the chance to challenge Meuser in the general election.

The takeaway

Rachel Wallace's congressional campaign is positioning her as a challenger to the long-serving Republican incumbent Dan Meuser, with a focus on issues like opposing immigration detention centers and criticizing Meuser's healthcare votes that have impacted local hospitals. Her fundraiser in Williamsport demonstrates her efforts to build a strong financial foundation for her campaign to unseat Meuser.