2024 Pennsylvania general election voters' guide: U.S. House District 16

Candidates participating in this year’s general election were invited to submit information to the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, which partnered with PennLive to create this voters’ guide.

The candidates below are in contested races to represent Pennsylvania in Congress and are in the order provided by the League of Women Voters.

District 16

Preston Nouri

Party: Democratic

County: Erie

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Education: B.S. University of Pittsburgh, Summa Cum Laude

Qualifications: Legislative and Congressional Oversight, Department of Defense OUSD(A&S); Diplomatic Security, Department of State; Staff, U.S. House of Representatives

Contact: prestonforpa.com facebook.com/prestonforpa www.instagram.com/preston4pa?igsh=bHN1bW5wcGlmZDBp&utm—source=qr

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?

The most pressing issues facing our nation are the same issues we sit down and talk about at the kitchen table. We continue to fall behind in education standards, widespread accessible and affordable healthcare is anything but, and the family sustaining jobs are leaving our communities making inflation hurt even worse. We have an opportunity to invest in our community. I’ll stand steadfast in creating programs that help teachers furnish their classrooms so they’re not burdened with the costs while investing in vocational programs and after school programs. I’ll stand and fight for healthcare for all since healthcare is a human right. I’ll stand to protect our family sustaining jobs through legislation and protecting the union way of life.

What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?

As we just experienced the most inefficient Congress in recent memory, there are many reforms that would help Congress function more effectively, but I would like to highlight two reforms I would particularly support. I would support campaign finance reform to make Congress a body that once again represents the American people instead of special interests. I would support mandatory deadlines to pass spending bills; this would end the practice of shutdown politics and focus on what Congress needs to do as a body.

What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?

I would support legislation that makes it easier for people to have access to the ballot and enshrines the right of all Americans to vote. A good example of the framework I would support would be the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. These cornerstone pieces of legislation have protected voters, and I would support similar pieces of legislation.

How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?

The United States has a responsibility to address the challenges facing the international community as an ally, partner, and friend. Standing for human rights, ensuring justice, and supporting those in need are the tenet values the US stands to defend. With these guiding principles, we can assess each challenge the international community faces and address them properly.

Mike Kelly

Party: Republican

County: Butler

Occupation: Legislator

Education: Notre Dame

Qualifications: Businessman

Contact: mikekellyforcongress.com facebook.com/MikeKellyforCongress

What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them?

Economy, inflation/gas prices, lack of unity.

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax, voted in favor of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, bipartisan legislation that promotes the financial security of working families, boosts growth and American competitiveness, and strengthens communities and Main Street businesses.

What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively?

Legislation should be one-issue legislation. For example, if a piece is introduced on a balanced budget, then it should only be in reference to the cuts being made to actually balance the budget. If a piece is being introduced on border security, then it should only contain policy related to the border.

What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections?

I would support all legislation related that protect voting rights and encourage free and fair elections. Our men and women in the armed forces have fought to protect that right, and I believe all elected officials should do the same.

How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community?

I believe that we have always been the first responders. And while, it’s the true testament to a Nation to have a strong defense, we also need to focus on our home turf. We can’t always be the first ones coming to aide (financially) another country when our own borders are at risk and our budget is spiraling.