Market Commentary

From CEO to Congressman: A Politician with an Eye for the Market?

Turra Rasheed
4 Mar 2025 · 2 minutes read

Congressman Rob Bresnahan Jr. made his name in the business world long before stepping into politics. As the former CEO of Kuharchik Construction, he led significant growth, expanding the family business and later founding RPB Ventures, a real estate development firm. Now, as a newly elected U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 8th district, his financial acumen is under fresh scrutiny—this time, in the stock market.

From Business to Politics

Bresnahan took office on January 3, 2025, after defeating incumbent Democrat Matt Cartwright in the November 2024 election. Running on a platform emphasizing fiscal responsibility, energy independence, and infrastructure development, he quickly secured seats on the following key congressional committees:

  • Transportation and Infrastructure, overseeing highways, aviation, and transit systems.

  • Agriculture, influencing policies on farming, forestry, and rural development.

  • Small Business, focusing on regulatory issues and capital access for entrepreneurs.

A Congressman with a Trading Habit

Since taking office, Bresnahan has become one of the most active traders among new lawmakers, reporting 130 stock transactions. His trading activity has been heavily concentrated in Information Technology and Industrials—sectors known for strong growth potential.

Profitable Buys

Bresnahan’s most successful purchase reported so far? Alibaba Group Holding (BABA:US). On January 29 and 30, he bought shares at $96.72 and $102.74. Today, the stock trades at $130.81, marking an impressive 35% gain in just weeks.

Other well-timed buys include:

  • Intel Corp (INTC:US) – Bought at $19.38 (Feb. 3), now at $22.74 (+17.3%)

  • Berkshire Hathaway (BRK/B:US) – Bought at $443.91, now at $510.08 (+14.91%)

Well-Timed Sales

On the selling side, Bresnahan avoided major losses by exiting positions before steep declines:

His trades suggest a sharp eye for market trends, particularly in AI and cloud computing, with investments in NVIDIA Corp (NVDA:US) and Manhattan Associates (MANH). His stake in General Electric (GE:US) hints at a focus on industrial innovation and renewable energy.

With his trading activity now under public scrutiny, Bresnahan finds himself at the center of a broader debate: Should lawmakers be allowed to trade stocks at all? As he navigates his first term, both his policy decisions and market moves will remain closely watched.

BACK TO INSIGHTS