SCRANTON, Pa.—As the local government election approaches, Scranton’s City Council race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for this working-class city. With two weeks left until voters head to the polls, Democratic Socialist and labor organizer Frankie Malacaria is emerging as a standout candidate, promising bold reforms on housing, labor rights, and public safety.
Scranton, a historic bastion of progressive politics in Northeast Pennsylvania, has long been a city of contradictions—a blue-collar industrial hub with a thriving university scene, a place where labor unions and socialist movements have deep roots but face persistent opposition from conservative forces. This election could determine whether the city doubles down on its progressive legacy or shifts toward a more conservative future.
A city built on labor struggles
Scranton’s identity is inseparable from its labor history. Originally named Slocum Hollow, the city earned its “Electric City” nickname as the first in the U.S. to adopt electric streetcars. But its true legacy lies in its working-class rebellions:
- The Great Railroad Strike of 1877, where clashes between strikers and militia left four dead.
- The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902 which won miners a 10% raise and a reduced workday.
The town had a strong socialist presence in the early 20th century, with labor leaders like Mother Jones rallying workers in the region. Frankie Malacaria sees his campaign as the next chapter in this tradition.
“Scranton was built by workers who fought for dignity,” Malacaria told People’s World. “Today, we’re fighting the same battles—for fair wages, affordable housing, and a government that works for the many, not the few.”
Who is Frankie Malacaria?
As a longtime resident of Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) , Malacaria has a proven track record of advocacy. He served as Co-Chair of the NEPA Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and is an active member of Action Together NEPA and NEPA Stands Up. His recent work includes organizing with NEPA for Palestine and leading opposition to a proposed ICE facility near the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport.
Reflecting on his motivation, Malacaria told People’s World:
“After watching the January 6 insurrection unfold… I realized it would take all of us working together to stop the rise of fascism.”
Policy Priorities: Labor, Housing, and Public Safety
Malacaria’s campaign centers on working-class issues, emphasizing his identity as a “working-class, multiracial, multigenerational organizer.” Key proposals include:
Scranton Labor Commission—A worker-led body to promote unionization across the city, open to both residents and commuters.
Affordable Housing Expansion—Leveraging Pennsylvania’s Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act to rehabilitate vacant homes across Scranton, offering rent-to-own options for low-income families.
“Saving Seniors” Initiative—Tax deferrals for seniors struggling with property taxes until ownership changes hands.
“Care, Not Cuffs”—Reallocating police funding to social workers for non-life-threatening emergencies, reducing armed responses where unnecessary.
Malacaria cites Michael Brooks’s mantra—”Be kind to individuals, be ruthless to institutions”—as a guiding principle.
Campaign Challenges
Despite Scranton’s progressive leanings, Malacaria faces hurdles. Running as a grassroots candidate on the Democratic ticket, he lacks the funding of some opponents, including Democrats with Republican-aligned agendas. He admits the shift from organizer to candidate has been challenging:
“While I have had much help and support, I’ve essentially had to become my own campaign manager and wear many hats, which isn’t easy when others have deeper pockets to afford the things I couldn’t. But Bernie Sanders showed us the power of authentic left-wing leadership—that’s what motivates me to give what the working-class people of Scranton deserve.”
With election day fast approaching, Malacaria’s focus remains on mobilizing working-class voters to uphold Scranton’s legacy of progress.
For more information on Frankie Malacaria’s campaign or to donate to his campaign, you can visit the campaign website.
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