Bob Brooks, a firefighters union leader backed by high-profile Democrats, was projected to win the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. The contest exposed divisions within the local party and included contenders such as former prosecutor Ryan Crosswell, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and EMILY’s List-supported Carol Obando-Derstine. Brooks weathered controversy after older social posts resurfaced, and now faces Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in a general election that could help determine control of the House.
Bob Brooks Wins Tight Democratic Primary In Pivotal Pennsylvania Swing District
Firefighters union boss wins hotly-contested Dem primary in a key Pennsylvania swing district
Bob Brooks, a firefighters union leader, was projected Tuesday night to win the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s closely contested 7th Congressional District, a seat that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
The skyline of Allentown, Pennsylvania, the state's third-largest city, is visible from the Tilghman Street Bridge.(Fox News)
Primary Field and High-Profile Endorsements
The crowded Democratic primary featured Brooks; former federal prosecutor Ryan Crosswell; Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure; and EMILY’s List–backed Carol Obando-Derstine, who was seen as the preferred choice of outgoing Rep. Susan Wild. Brooks entered the race with a string of prominent endorsements, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and several top state Democrats. He also won the backing of Allentown’s mayor, reinforcing his support in the district’s largest city.
Recent construction on Eighth Street in Allentown revealed an old-style campaign sign for Bill Heydt, the city's last Republican mayor who served from 1994 to 2002.
Controversy and Campaign Dynamics
During the campaign Brooks faced scrutiny after older social media posts surfaced that showed more moderate or conservative views; one post used an off-color sexual term to describe former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the context of his criticism of law enforcement during the Black Lives Matter era. Despite the controversy, Brooks maintained momentum and outpaced rivals who struggled to consolidate support.
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., attends the House Education and Workforce Committee hearing titled "Beyond The Ivy League: Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism on American Campuses" in the Rayburn Building on May 7, 2025.
Republican Incumbent and 2024 Context
The general election will pit the Democratic nominee against Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie of Lower Macungie, who narrowly defeated Democrat Susan Wild by one percentage point in 2024 after serving many years as a state representative. Mackenzie has received praise from former President Donald Trump and attracted protests from opponents in parts of the district.
The former Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces are seen from Pennsylvania Route 412 near Lehigh University's campus.
District Profile: Economy, Demographics and Geography
The 7th District centers on the Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton tri-city area—locally known as A.B.E. or "The Valley"—an industrial and blue-collar region long associated with Bethlehem Steel. The SteelStacks now serve as a reminder of that history even as the local economy evolves: a wave of warehouses, distribution centers and some tech-sector growth has joined ongoing redevelopment efforts. Northern parts of the district remain more rural and conservative, while development and in-migration from higher-tax states such as New Jersey and New York have altered the electorate in suburban and exurban areas.
Why This Race Matters
With the House majority narrowly divided, this seat is a national battleground. The outcome will depend on which party can better mobilize voters across a politically mixed district shaped by industrial decline, new commercial growth and shifting demographics. Voter turnout in both urban centers like Allentown and the district’s rural northern reaches will be decisive.
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