CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)-- Less than three weeks before the April 23 Primary, Midstate Congressman Scott Perry — greeted with a standing ovation — took the stage at the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference.

The Republican is seeking his seventh term in Washington and is up against six Democratic challengers, who debated in the ABC27 studio last month.

Perry spoke of what he believes is a dangerous Washington, D. C.

"The enemy inside the wire is doing things to you, to your family that have never been seen before in America," Perry said in front of dozens of conservative activists. "The mission is to save this Republic."

His Democratic opponents fired back. Statements can be viewed below.

Perry also spoke off-stage and was asked about President Biden's call for the Federal Government to pay for the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Perry said full funding would be "inappropriate."

"Let [us] also remember the shipping company that ran into the bridge also has complete liability for the accident," Perry said. "They're insured to pay for that and that's where we should be looking. It shouldn't be the taxpayer."

Perry also said he supports in vitro fertilization, and does not support a nationwide abortion ban.

Statements from Democratic Opponents:

"Democrats are ready to vote for a candidate who will beat Scott Perry. My 20 years of national service as a Marine Corps TOPGUN fighter pilot and squadron commander give me the resume, leadership ability, and executive experience to defeat him this November and hold him accountable for the betrayal of his oath of office. America recognizes that the divisiveness, obstruction, and inaction perpetrated by Donald Trump and his waterboy Scott Perry is a threat to our country, a threat to our families, and a threat to our future. On April 23rd, voters here in South Central PA are ready to vote for a real patriot - someone who puts country and community over party and self."

Mike O'Brien

The years of Scott Perry misrepresenting the people and communities of central Pennsylvania are finally coming to an end.

In this primary election, only I have won elections as a Democrat in a Republican district. I uniquely have the depth and breadth of experience – as a combat veteran, an international peace-keeping veteran, co-owner of a small business, a rural resident, a teacher and a public official – needed to deal with all of the issues that come before Congress.

I am eager to confront Scott Perry on his extreme and dangerous record this fall.

Inflation and wages are at the top of people’s minds. But Scott Perry voted against the Inflation Reduction Act and against establishing a living wage for working people. Instead, he tried to hold America hostage to an agenda that even most Republicans don’t want.

Defending democracy is a close second on people’s minds. But Scott Perry was a leader of the January 6 insurrection and for more than three years has refused to tell the American people what he knows about that attack on American democracy. And now he does everything he can think of to advance a "Moscow First" agenda that strengthens Vladimir Putin at the expense of democracy in Ukraine.

Scott Perry won’t stand a chance against me."

Rick Coplen

Congressman Scott Perry continues to show his true colors, spending time at a conference with conspiracy theorists and election deniers, instead of doing town halls with constituents. My campaign is meeting voters where they are and is focused on the real issues that Central Pennsylvanians face every day." 

Janelle Stelson

"We're just weeks away from the change our region needs! From Harrisburg to York, our community is demanding safer streets, better schools, and common-sense policies to boost our economy and quality of life. Our diverse movement is fueled by hope, determination, and the passion to dream. That’s why our campaign has the most locally elected Democrats publicly endorsing!
We have what it takes to energize our base, bring resources to our families and businesses, proudly represent and fight for the place we call home in Washington D.C."

Blake Lynch