The crowded race for the Democratic nomination in the 7th Congressional District may have split slightly on Monday as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro approved Bob Brooks for seating.
Brooks, president of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, now has something the other four Democratic candidates don’t – the support of a popular governor running for re-election.
“Bob Brooks is a firefighter who has spent his life running toward danger and showing up on the worst of days to protect Pennsylvanians and keep our families safe. He is also the warrior that our friends and neighbors throughout the Lehigh Valley deserve in Washington,” Shapiro said..
“Throughout his career, Bob has worked strenuous on behalf of the men and women of organized labor – advocating for higher wages, better health care and safer working conditions. Bob Brooks is a stark contrast to the current congressman who has raised our costs, cut our health care and attacked our freedoms. We need Bob in Congress to be my partner in delivering supplies to the people of Pennsylvania. Bob has always supported me – and I am proud to support him in this race and support him in the fight to make life more affordable. and getting things done for our communities.”
“I got to know Governor Shapiro through my work fighting for better pay, better health care and safer working conditions for firefighters,” Brooks said. “I have seen up close his commitment to improving the lives of everyday people, especially through his leadership in expanding PTSI’s reach to first responders. Governor Shapiro’s talent for bringing people together is why he is so trusted in our state, and his endorsement is a powerful vote of confidence in our campaign. I am grateful for his support as we continue to fight for the families and communities we both serve.”
Shapiro won PA-07 by 13 points in his successful 2022 gubernatorial campaign.
Brooks adds governor to growing list of endorsements including Lt. Governor Austin Davis, Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-17), Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerkand many elected government officials and labor unions.
“Josh Shapiro and I agree – Bob Brooks is ready to win and fight hard for Pennsylvania in Congress,” Deluzio wrote on Twitter. “Let’s go!”
Brooks faces a competitive primary that includes a former federal prosecutor Ryan Crosswellenergy engineer Carol Obando-Derstineoutgoing Northampton County Executive Lamont McClureand Lehigh County Comptroller Mark Pinsley.
The quintet all hope to get rid of the freshman Representative Ryan Mackenziewho defeated the long-time incumbent Zuzanna Dzika in 2024 by 4,000 votes (50.5-49.5%).
In the 2024 election cycle, candidates spent a total of $38 million on the congressional race. Since Pennsylvania redrew its congressional map in 2022, the PA-07 race has been decided by less than three points every time, and observers expect another close race in 2026.
