WFMZ to air forum with GOP candidates for the 7th Congressional District

Two-part 'conversation' will be shown on March 11 and 18 on Tony Iannelli’s ‘Business Matters’

7th Congressional Disrict GOP candidates Kevin Dellicker, left, Ryan Mackenzie, middle, and Maria Montero, right, participate in a forum on WFMZ’s ‘Business Matters.’ Photo by Jessica O’Donnell-Gower

“Business Matters,” the long-standing local business show on WFMZ’s Channel 69, will air a two-part, recorded forum featuring Republican candidates for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District at 7:30 p.m. on March 11 and 18. 

In the April 23 primary, Kevin Dellicker, Ryan Mackenzie and Maria Montero are vying for the Republican nomination, hoping to capture the seat in the Nov. 5 general election from incumbent Democrat Susan Wild.

Dellicker, a business owner and veteran who lives in Heidelberg Township, is running for a second time for the nomination. He lost to Republican Lisa Scheller in the 2020 primary election.

Mackenzie of Lower Macungie is a state representative in the 187th District who has been in office since he won a special election in 2012. 

Montero is a lawyer who co-founded the Lehigh Valley’s Power of Women Networking Initiative.

Wild, who is seeking a fourth term, is not facing a challenge in the Democratic primary. The hour-long debate, recorded last week, will run in two, 30-minute segments

Iannelli, president and CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, hosted the debate. Iannelli has been at the helm of the show for more than 15 years. 

“Typically we don’t always jump into primaries,” Iannelli said in a phone interview, “but this race could have a critical impact on the balance of the House. These are very solid candidates with great qualifications and educational backgrounds.”

With House Republicans holding a 219-213 edge (there are also three vacancies), the 7th is considered must-win by both parties.

The Cook Political Report has labeled the race a “toss up,” meaning either party could win. Wild captured about 51% of the vote when she ran against Scheller in 2022.

Iannelli said the format of the debate is more conversational than a traditional debate. In a political debate, a moderator typically asks a question and follows a set order for candidates’ responses and rebuttals. 

“We pride ourselves on being different,” Iannelli said. “We enjoy fluid conversation while providing candidates with equal time.”

The debate was recorded at the end of February. After the episodes air, they can be found on WFMZ’s “Business Matters” website.