Dent and Lamb Launch Pennsylvania Civic Trust
The bipartisan initiative aims to counter political violence and restore public trust in democratic institutions.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Former Pennsylvania representatives Charlie Dent and Conor Lamb have established the Pennsylvania Alliance for Civic Trust. This statewide network seeks to combat political misinformation and address rising instances of political violence.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to strengthen trust in democratic institutions through public dialogue and civic engagement. By bringing together leaders from both parties, the group hopes to bridge divides and promote constructive discourse.
The organization hosts its inaugural discussion at Lehigh University in Bethlehem on October 26, 2026. The kickoff event is scheduled to run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 101.
The players
Charlie Dent
He is a former Republican House representative who served the Lehigh Valley from 2005 until his resignation in 2018.
Conor Lamb
He is a former Democratic representative who previously served the Pittsburgh area in Congress.
Pennsylvania Alliance for Civic Trust
This is a new statewide bipartisan network dedicated to combating political misinformation and violence.
The details
Co-leaders Charlie Dent and Conor Lamb plan to organize regular panels to encourage cross-partisan dialogue across the state. The project focuses on mitigating the spread of political misinformation while fostering a more resilient political climate in Pennsylvania.
Timeline
Charlie Dent represented the Lehigh Valley in Congress from 2005 to 2018.
Charlie Dent resigned from his public office in 2018.
A kickoff panel event is scheduled for October 26, 2026.
The panel discussion will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 26, 2026.
Political Context
This initiative follows a pattern set by the Bipartisan Policy Center's recommendations for strengthening democratic institutions. It represents a localized effort to address systemic polarization that often draws criticism from rigid party-line advocates.
Residents in the Lehigh Valley and across Pennsylvania can expect new opportunities to participate in public forums regarding state politics. The initiative aims to provide voters with more reliable information channels to navigate current political discourse.
The takeaway
The formation of this alliance highlights a growing movement among former officials to revitalize public dialogue outside of traditional legislative channels. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend upcoming local forums to engage directly with the new organization's leadership.
What happens next
The Pennsylvania Alliance for Civic Trust will host its official kickoff panel event on October 26, 2026, at Lehigh University.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to improve Civic Engagement across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Morning Call.
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