Full Breakdown
Perry Campaign Ad Accuses Opponent of Public Nudity
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Perry Ad Claims Unverified Exposure
In a 30-second television spot released in late October, the campaign of Rep. The ad labels the document as an “AFFIDAVIT,” though investigators identified it as a notarized personal statement, not a sworn affidavit. No criminal charges have been filed, and police have not released any incident report.
Background & Context
Perry has represented Pennsylvania’s 10th congressional district since 2013. The 2024 contest was decided by a 1.3-percentage-point margin, with Stelson narrowly losing. Redistricting in 2018 shifted the district from a safe Republican seat to one that now regularly produces races within five points. Recent polling from Franklin & Marshall College and an internal Perry poll both show Stelson holding a slight edge in the final weeks of the campaign.
Data & Statistics
- 2024 election margin: Perry won by 1.3 percentage points.
- Current polls: Stelson leads by a narrow margin within the poll’s margin of error.
- Campaign finance: The ad is paid for by “Patriots for Perry,” Perry’s official campaign committee.
Official Statements & Responses
- Matt Beynon, Perry campaign spokesperson, said internal polling mirrors the college’s findings that Stelson holds a slight lead.
- East Pennsboro Township Police confirmed officers responded to the August 14 complaint but declined to release any reports and noted that no charges were filed against Stelson.
Criticism & Opposition
Baker’s condemnation of the ad highlights concerns that the campaign is leveraging unverified personal allegations to influence voters. The criticism focuses on the lack of corroborating evidence and the potential for defamation.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Sharon Orr provided the notarized statement used in the ad and claimed she observed the alleged exposure, but she declined further comment when approached.
- Steve Dillon, a neighbor on the opposite side of Stelson’s residence, told reporters, “All I know is that she wasn’t [naked].” He said he frequently saw Stelson sitting outside “clothed,” suggesting that flesh-toned clothing could have been mistaken for nudity.
- Police records indicate no criminal filing related to the alleged incident.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The ad presents the neighbor’s statement as an affidavit, yet investigators identified it as a notarized personal account lacking oath-bound verification.
- No photographic evidence has been released; the neighbor who allegedly captured a photo declined to share it.
- While Orr’s statement alleges exposure in “plain sight of my minor,” other local residents, including Dillon, dispute that any nudity occurred.
- Police have not disclosed any investigative findings, leaving the factual basis of the claim unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Unfortunately, as a woman on television, Janelle has been a victim of stalking and harassment before,” — Alma Baker, stelson campaign manager
- “This individual is not and has never been employed by the Janelle Stelson campaign. If he is an illegal immigrant who committed a crime he should be deported,” — Alma Baker, stelson campaign manager
- “All I know is that she wasn’t [naked],” — Steve Dillon, who lives on the opposite side of Stelson’s residence, questioned the accusation