Pete Buttigieg Endorses Firefighter Bob Brooks in High Stakes Lehigh Valley Congressional Race
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has formally endorsed Bob Brooks, a veteran firefighter and union leader, in the crowded Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. The announcement, made on Friday, injects national attention into the race as Democrats attempt to flip the seat back from Republican control in the 2026 midterms. Buttigieg, widely viewed as a potential future presidential contender, highlighted Brooks’ background in the labor movement, stating that the candidate “understands the urgency of lowering costs because he’s lived it.”
Brooks serves as the President of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association (PPFFA) and spent two decades as a firefighter in Bethlehem. His campaign strategy focuses heavily on his working-class identity and union experience, aiming to appeal to the blue-collar voters who are decisive in the region. In addition to Buttigieg, Brooks has secured endorsements from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, signaling a coalition that spans both the establishment and progressive wings of the party. The 7th District, which encompasses Lehigh and Northampton counties, is a critical swing seat that Republican Representative Ryan Mackenzie narrowly won in 2024 after defeating Democratic incumbent Susan Wild by approximately 4,000 votes.
Despite the high-profile support, Brooks faces a challenging path to the nomination. The Democratic primary field features several experienced competitors, including Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and former federal prosecutor Ryan Crosswell. Political observers note that while Brooks currently leads in securing endorsements, he must overcome the name recognition of local elected officials like McClure. Furthermore, strategic concerns persist regarding the general election; some party strategists worry that Brooks’ alignment with progressive figures like Sanders could be exploited by the Mackenzie campaign to label him as too far left for the district’s moderate suburbanites.
The outcome of this race is considered essential for Democratic hopes of retaking the U.S. House of Representatives. With the district evenly divided and economic issues remaining top of mind for voters, the primary winner will face an uphill battle against Mackenzie in November. Voters will select the Democratic nominee in the primary election scheduled for May 19.
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