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News

Robert Bresnahan, Jr. Takes on New Role: From Electrical Contractor to U.S. Congressman

Jan 10, 2025

Robert Bresnahan, Jr., a Republican from Dallas Township, has officially won the office for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District. Since speaking with Bresnahan in late 2023 as he announced his candidacy opposing incumbent Matt Cartwright, his many campaigning events and door-to-door vote gaining efforts paid off.  

“What a year, 3 months and several days it has been! The only difference from the last time we spoke is that now, I’m talking to you from my office in the nation’s capital,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “I’m not sure that this new reality has really sunk in yet, to be honest with you. But I’m so excited to get to work with the committees I’ve been selected to—the Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Small Business. I’m looking forward to getting started because I really believe in the importance of these sectors and the huge impacts they have on our country.” 

Looking back on the transition period from election day to being sworn in on January 3, 2025, and now getting settled into his new duties, the accomplishment is not lost on Bresnahan. “I know all of the freshmen were kind of scouting out the offices and wondering which one they’d get but I always said, I’d just be happy to be here and to have the chance to make a difference; to try and cut through bureaucracy and encourage practical solutions for my constituents, small businesses and the trades.” 

With a humble background and a clear vision for the future, Bresnahan’s story is one of dedication and hard work. “Who would’ve ever thought this kid from Wyoming, Pennsylvania, who grew up by the river, would ever get to where I am now?” he mused. 

Bresnahan’s journey to Capitol Hill began in 2017 at the NECA NextGen Legislative Fly-In, where a conversation with a former congressman sparked his interest in public service. “This whole journey started at the NECA Fly-In in 2017 where I met with a former congressman who, it was very clear, didn’t care about our industry, and I thought, ‘Why can’t I do that?’ So I expressed that thought to a few of my peers and when word got back to Marco [Giamberardino] that a contractor may be interested in running for office, he immediately knew it was me. He called me up, invited me to his office in D.C. in July 2023 and we talked about everything this venture would entail—before I even agreed to take this on and join this race. Marco and NECA have been with me every step of the way,” Bresnahan recounted. 

His victory marks a significant achievement, not only for Rep. Bresnahan but also for the National Electrical Contractors Association, which played a pivotal role in supporting his campaign. 

“There are 435 members in the House of Representatives with a large amount of the incumbents fighting for their offices,” Bresnahan said. “Marco, James, and the whole NECA organization validated our campaign. They were the ones to back me up on Capitol Hill and say, ‘Yeah, Rob Bresnahan is the real deal. He’s a real-world guy from Pennsylvania, born and raised, he went to the University of Scranton, he’s passionate about his community and is in favor of small business. He genuinely cares for the people in the 8th District, entrepreneurs and tradespeople.’ So I’m really appreciative to have them in my corner. They helped validate and share my character.” 

Now, as a member of Congress, Bresnahan is ready to bring his extensive business experience to the legislative arena. “My many years in business have prepared me for this transition. Taking on a leadership position within the family electrical contracting business when I was 19 and then becoming CEO, I grew it from 50 employees to over 165 and expanded work into 19 different states. That’s what I want to bring to Washington—to cut through the crippling red tape and find common-sense solutions to issues,” he explained. 

Bresnahan assures his deep connection with NECA will remain strong. “Marco has already sent me about five calendar notifications for the NECA NextGen Legislative Fly-In and I’m very excited to return to the place where it all started. So yes, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll definitely be keeping up with NECA events and the friends I’ve made through the association,” he said. 

As Bresnahan steps into his new role in the House of Representatives, his journey from a NECA contractor to a Congressman symbolizes a significant milestone in the hopes of more of his contracting peers following suit. “We’ve accomplished Marco’s five-year goal of getting a NECA contractor into office and I could not be more excited to get to work with all of the committees I’ve been placed on and continuing to push for legislation that will benefit electrical contractors and the construction and infrastructure sector as a whole,” he concluded. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the 2025 NECA NextGen Fly-in held in Washington, D.C. from July 20-22nd, visit our website www.necanet.org/events.