In Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, anchored by Allentown and Bethlehem in Lehigh County, Democratic challenger Bob Brooks is facing scrutiny over his financial history as he campaigns against first-term Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie.
The district, long viewed as a national bellwether, carries a Cook Partisan Voter Index of R+1, meaning its recent presidential results have leaned about one point more Republican than the national average. A Franklin & Marshall College poll — the only independent public survey of the race so far — shows Brooks leading Mackenzie 45 percent to 40 percent, with 16 percent of voters undecided.
Brooks, a former longtime firefighter and firefighter’s union president, is making his first run for public office and has built his campaign around a working-class identity. He now works as a lobbyist and, according to financial disclosures, holds stock holdings valued anywhere between $148,000 and $3.89 million.
Brooks supports Medicare for All, has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood, backs eliminating the income cap on Social Security payroll taxes, and has been publicly supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). His campaign has drawn financial support from a range of left-leaning donors.
Legal and Financial History
Court records cited in national coverage show Brooks was sued by his former mother-in-law, who alleged he hid assets to avoid paying her more than $162,000. That lawsuit, which became a campaign issue, was resolved through a confidential settlement.
Records also indicate that a lawn care business Brooks operated went more than four years without workers’ compensation insurance, which would be a violation of Pennsylvania law. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brooks reportedly stated on applications for taxpayer-funded business loans that he had no outstanding financial judgments and had not defaulted on loans, despite court records showing otherwise. Local court records also show foreclosures, liens, and debt collection actions tied to Brooks.
A U.S. News and World Report piece on the race also noted additional controversies, including social media posts in which Brooks referred to volunteer firefighters using derogatory terms, allegations that he served as a steward at a social club with an unofficial whites-only policy, and Facebook posts featuring far-right imagery.
National Republicans Rally for Mackenzie
Mackenzie has drawn high-profile support from national Republican figures, including Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH), and RNC Chair Joe Gruters, who campaigned in the district last Sunday before a crowd of about 50 volunteers despite heavy rain.
Both campaigns and outside groups have been running a heavy volume of television and digital advertising, including ads attacking each candidate’s background. One ad has drawn attention for criticizing college credentials — Brooks does not hold a college degree, while Mackenzie holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Harvard.
The race is one of several nationally watched contests this cycle as both parties battle for control of narrowly divided suburban and working-class districts.
