Bob Brooks addressed union leaders and supporters on Monday with a straightforward message. As the leader of the state firefighters union and a Democratic candidate for a House seat in the Lehigh Valley, Brooks positioned himself as a ‘working-class candidate,’ drawing on his experience from running a paper route at age 10. He stated, “The whole system is rigged against us,” advocating for sending working-class individuals to Washington, D.C., to balance power dynamics.
In contrast, Democratic contender Ryan Crosswell, a Marine veteran and former federal prosecutor, delivered a different narrative. He had resigned from the Justice Department following an order to drop a corruption case against then-New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Describing this as a pivotal moment, Crosswell criticized the Trump administration, stating, “Trump is trying to write Article 1 out of the Constitution.” He emphasized that corruption is a pressing issue, relevant to voters’ everyday lives.
“This is a unique moment in American history,” Crosswell said, pointing to the battle for the country’s soul.
The primary for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District has highlighted a broader ideological struggle within the Democratic Party. Notably, party leaders across the spectrum, from Sen. Bernie Sanders to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, have endorsed Brooks. Democratic operatives view Brooks as well-positioned to connect with voters on economic issues. They believe the party needs more ‘everymen’ like Brooks, who lacks a college degree, to resonate with the populace.
The shift towards Brooks reflects national Democrats’ aim to appeal beyond their anti-Trump base. Andrew Mamo of The Bench, a Democratic group, remarked on the need for more average people, like firefighters, rather than elite lawyers.
Crosswell represents a candidate type traditionally successful in swing areas: military experience, legal expertise, and anti-Trump messaging. Despite his fundraising success, surpassing Brooks by nearly $600,000, Crosswell continues his campaign amid strong endorsements for Brooks.
In the primary, Brooks faces contenders such as former Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and engineer Carol Obando-Derstine. The election stands as one of the first contests in a competitive district following Republican Ryan Mackenzie’s narrow victory in 2024. Mackenzie defeated then-Rep. Susan Wild by a mere point.
Brooks has built support by campaigning for a shift away from perceived elitism in his party. Emphasizing his background as someone who worked various jobs, Brooks commented on the party’s need for change to reengage working-class voters.
Recent endorsements from Sanders and Shapiro have garnered significant attention, highlighting Brooks’ appeal across the party. However, he must still secure victory in the primary, where internal party dynamics play a crucial role.
A survey by the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC suggests McClure remains competitive. Meanwhile, Obando-Derstine enhances ties with the Latino community, a significant portion of the district’s demographic.
The Republicans acknowledge Brooks’ coalition efforts but remain surprised he hasn’t dominated the primary race. Brooks has faced scrutiny for previous social media comments, questioning his working-class image due to financial disclosures indicating considerable assets.
Despite these challenges, Brooks maintains support from prominent figures like Shapiro, who will campaign with him ahead of the primary. The inclusion of a broader range of candidates signals the party’s intent to build a diverse coalition and embrace candidates not fitting traditional molds.
While some Democrats view Brooks as an emblem of authenticity and working-class appeal, others recall past efforts with candidates like Sen. John Fetterman, sparking debate on strategic candidate endorsements.
Grace Crampsie Smith from the Bethlehem city council noted recent tensions in the race, highlighting divisive intra-party dynamics. The outcome of this primary may set a precedent for future Democratic candidate strategies in swing districts.
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