James Hayes - Updates from the Campaign Trail with the Candidate for Congress

Todd McCollum is joined by Bob Crankovic - filling in for Russell Dryer, and returning guest James Hayes, candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 12th District. Hayes returns to the podcast to provide an update on his campaign, including voter outreach initiatives, fundraising, door knocking, and the issues he says he is hearing about across Western Pennsylvania.

The conversation covers public safety, energy production, gasoline and electricity costs, nuclear power, data centers, artificial intelligence, and economic development. Hayes discusses the role he believes Pennsylvania’s energy industry can play in regional growth, potential uses for brownfield sites, and how emerging technologies such as AI could affect small businesses and the broader economy.

The group also revisits the U.S. Steel–Nippon Steel partnership and its potential impact on the Mon Valley, steelmaking, advanced manufacturing, and future investment in Western Pennsylvania.

Later, the discussion turns to the recently unsealed City of Pittsburgh search warrant, questions surrounding no-bid contracts, financial oversight, city finances, pensions, and the responsibilities of the legislative branch when it comes to appropriations and accountability. The hosts and Hayes emphasize that the investigation remains ongoing and that no criminal charges had been filed at the time of the discussion.

The episode also examines Allegheny County’s proposed paid parental leave requirements, including possible impacts on small businesses, employers, the county tax base, and economic competitiveness. The group closes with a discussion of the UPMC settlement involving gender-related medical care for minors and a local feel-good story honoring 103-year-old World War II Merchant Marine veteran Anthony “Tony” Vaccarelli.

• James Hayes for Congress (Campaign Website) — Learn more about James. Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives. Support James' campaign by volunteering or donating.