Donald Trump Jr. speaks at local rally, emphasizes closing borders and improving economy

SCRANTON — Former President Donald Trump’s eldest son appeared at a Montage Mountain event for his father’s presidential campaign on Saturday, less than two weeks before the November election.

Donald Trump Jr.’s attendance at the event was part of the “Come Out to Vote” fall festival hosted by Polaris Homeland Security, which included free food, activities for kids, face painting, apple picking and a bounce house.

Cathy Franz and Michael Sweeney of Hanover Township joined former President Donald Trump and the entire Republican ticket on Saturday to show their support.

Franz said the event, held outdoors and filled with families enjoying the fall weather, provided the perfect backdrop to promote Republican values ​​and policies.

Franz and Sweeney, who describe each other as their “significant other,” say political activism has brought them an unexpected benefit.

“We met at the polls last year, where Cathy was filling in for someone caring for a sick family member,” Sweeney said.

U.S. Representative candidate Republican Rob Bresnahan took to the stage with the slogan “Go Trump” and led the participants.

Bresnahan is running for a seat in the state’s 8th Congressional District against incumbent U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, a Democrat.

Cartwright, a Moosic resident, lived very close by and could probably hear the chant, Bresnahan said.

Republican David McCormick, who is challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey for the seat, emphasized the importance of Pennsylvania in November’s election.

Donald Trump Jr. speaks at a campaign event at Montage Mountain in Scranton on Saturday, October 26, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)

“What happens in the Keystone state could change the course of the country,” McCormick said.

Embers. Jr. encouraged attendees to not only vote for his father, but to vote all Republicans.

He said sometimes people vote for a presidential candidate and then remain loyal to an incumbent they know.

But Trump Jr. said a Republican overall win would allow the party to get some work done, including improving the economy, closing the borders and strengthening the military.

Republican 8th congressional district candidate Rob Bresnahan greets supporters during a campaign event at Montage Mountain in Scranton on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)

For Sasha McLain of Scranton, who brought her 5-year-old child with her, the event was a great opportunity to listen to issues and show her support for the Republican party while spending some time outdoors with the family.

McLain had attended other Republican rallies but had never heard Donald Trump Jr. speak.

“I’m looking forward to this.” he said.