Competing Visions in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District

In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Bob Brooks addressed union leaders and supporters with a concise, six-minute speech. Leading the state firefighters union and running for a House seat in Lehigh Valley, Brooks presented himself as a ‘working-class candidate.’ He spoke about his long history of work, beginning with a paper route at age 10. Brooks argued that the ‘system is rigged’ and emphasized electing representatives like him to combat this power imbalance.

Across town, Democratic rival Ryan Crosswell, a former Marine and federal prosecutor, shared a contrasting message. In an NBC News interview, he recounted resigning from the Justice Department after being told to drop a corruption case involving New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Crosswell, switching from Republican to Democrat, criticized Trump’s administration as ‘lawless’ and focused on corruption as a key election issue.

The Democratic primary highlights a broader party struggle in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, the state’s most competitive. Leaders from various ideological backgrounds, including Bernie Sanders and Governor Josh Shapiro, support Brooks, seeing him as well-suited to address economic hardships and resonate on economic issues.

The support for Brooks underscores a shift towards candidates perceived as ‘everymen,’ diverging from the lawyer-dominated image. Andrew Mamo from The Bench, a Democratic group, noted the appeal of Brooks’ background as a firefighter rather than a high-profile lawyer.

Meanwhile, Crosswell represents a candidate archetype Democrats have previously favored in swing districts: a blend of military and legal experience coupled with anti-Trump messaging. Despite a strong fundraising performance, Crosswell faces stiff competition from Brooks, who benefits from significant outside spending and solid establishment support.

Other Democratic candidates include former Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and engineer Carol Obando-Derstine. First-term Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who narrowly won in 2024, awaits the primary’s victor for a fall contest.

Despite Brooks’ extensive endorsements, his campaign endures challenges. A survey commissioned by the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC placed McClure within competitive range. Additionally, Brooks faced scrutiny over past controversial social media posts and financial disclosures.

Brooks’ appeal as a straightforward, working-class contender has drawn both admiration and criticism. He apologized for past social media activity, dismissing it as selectively gathered. He clarified that financial disclosures reflect his wife’s retirement savings.

While Brooks garners substantial establishment backing, other candidates like Obando-Derstine and Crosswell maintain support from former district representatives and local officials. Obando-Derstine, emphasizing her outreach in the Latino community, argues that voters value independence, undeterred by external influences.

The Democratic race has grown increasingly contentious. Grace Crampsie Smith, a Bethlehem city councilwoman, expressed concern over the internecine battle among Democrats during the campaign’s final weeks. The dynamics reflect broader shifts in Democratic strategy, with Brooks compared to figures like Senator John Fetterman yet positioning himself distinctly.

This primary serves as a litmus test for two competing Democratic visions: the working-class populist embodied by Brooks or the ex-Republican insider presented by Crosswell. Observers suggest that Crosswell aligned with an outdated electoral era, while Brooks may align with the current shift in voter expectations.