Former President Trump kicked off Erie's 2024 political season Saturday night, rallying supporters at the Erie Insurance Arena.
For the most part, he stuck to familiar talking points, calling out Hunter Biden, railing against Democrats and saying his ongoing legal troubles are politically motivated attacks.
"They want to take away our election," he said. "We're leading Biden by a lot, and they want to try to demean and hurt all of us. You know, they are not indicting me. They are indicting you. I just happen to be standing in their way. That is all it is."
Despite those legal issues, a cast of supporters preceded Trump at the microphone, among them, Erie's congressman Mike Kelly.
Kelly has backed Trump's campaign, arguing Trump is better suited for the presidency than other GOP challengers.
"Look at their resumes," Kelly said of the GOP field. "Look at who they are. Look at what they have done. Look at what they have never done, and then look at Donald J. Trump and tell me he is not the best person we could have leading America."
Despite significant polling advantages, Trump too took aim at his own party, calling for other candidates to drop out and focus their time -- and money -- on his campaign. 
"DeSanctis is gone. DeSanctis is gone. He is just about over." 
A call to arms 15 months before the general election, with Erie as a critical battleground. 
"I am asking you to put in your mouthpiece, pull down your helmet, tighten the chin strap, and let's go out and win. Let's go win. Let's go win," Kelly said.
Trump suggested he might not debate other Republican candidates, though he didn't rule it out entirely. He also called for primary races against some Republicans who disagree with his agenda, trying to further tighten his grip on the party.