Mike Kelly has new challenger in Democrat Preston Nouri
Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District has a new challenger to incumbent Republican Mike Kelly in the 2024 election.
Democrat Preston Nouri announced his candidacy on Thursday, Oct. 19, saying too many young people are forced to leave Western Pennsylvania to find family-sustaining jobs.
Nouri said Kelly has opposed legislation to invest in infrastructure and opposed the Chips and Science Act, which is bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States.
In addition, Nouri claims Kelly is more interested in “enriching himself” as he said Kelly’s efforts have given special tax breaks to car dealers like himself while passing massive tax cuts for the wealthy.
“I am running for Congress because Mike Kelly has failed the people of Western Pennsylvania,” Nouri said. “He’s demonstrated for years that he’s more interested in increasing his personal wealth and status than increasing opportunities for the people of Western Pennsylvania. In Congress, I’ll always have the backs of the hardworking men and women who are doing their best to put food on the table and to raise a family.”
A goal of Nouri’s is to increase access to quality, affordable health care while also increasing access to mental health services and addiction treatment.
When it comes to jobs, Nouri wants to prioritize rebuilding and growing manufacturing jobs while investing in vocational training and making it easier to join and organize a union.
“Young people like me are forced to leave Western Pennsylvania because Mike Kelly and other ... politicians have shipped jobs to other countries while failing to bring investments and development back home,” Nouri said. “I was born here, my friends and family live here, and I’m choosing to fight back because this is my home.”
An Erie native, Nouri graduated from Fairview High School and the University of Pittsburgh. He lives in Fairview Township in Erie County.
Nouri has worked for the U.S. House of Representatives, the Department of State, Partnership for a Secure America and currently works as a legislative analyst for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
Nouri founded and runs Lawrence Park and Go, a small convenience store in Lawrence Park, Erie. He also participates in community outreach and service with the Community Outreach Group which helps distribute clothing to people in need.
Kelly has been a member of the House since 2011 and is seeking his eighth term in office.
