GOP congressman, one of the first to endorse Trump, faces challenger

(Harrisburg) — One of the midstate’s congressional districts has been in Republican hands for the past six years.

Republican Tom Marino has handily beat Democrats in the past two elections in the 10th Congressional District, with more than 60 percent of the vote.

Mike Molesevich wants to change that, and is focusing on a man Marino endorsed far before many other members of Congress, Donald Trump.

Speaking on WITF’s Smart Talk, he says he wasn’t even planning on running until he heard Marino praise Trump.

“And at that point, I decided I could not sit this election out. I have to do something, just like any other good American. At times, we are called to service. That was my call to service,” says Molesevich.

Molesevich says he’s a centrist Democrat, and adds he would be more responsive, and helpful to his constituents than the incumbent.

He adds: “I am more moderate and I would like to bring more moderation and more cooperation to Congress. So that is my approach to the voters.”

Marino’s campaign declined to speak to WITF.

He has said he supports Trump because he stands for working class people.

When it comes to his votes, on the political spectrum, a nonpartisan website ranks Marino in the middle of all Republican members of the House.

The 10th district covers a large part of the midstate: Juniata, Mifflin, Snyder, and Union counties, as well as parts of Perry and Northumberland counties.