‘We need a fighter in D.C.’: Pennsylvania 7th Congressional District candidate Lamont McClure sits down with 69 News | Carbon County Area

Lamont McClure, the longtime Northampton County executive, was the first Democrat to announce a campaign for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional seat.

“We need a fighter in D.C. for the people of Pennsylvania’s 7th District,” McClure said.

McClure, who has served as Northampton County executive for eight years, pointed to his record on taxes and economic issues as evidence that he can advocate for working- and middle-class families in Washington.

“In 2022, I cut property taxes for the people of Northampton County, and that has saved taxpayers $25 million — and counting,” McClure said. “I’m very proud of that, but I want to go to Washington to cut taxes for the middle class, for all the people of PA-7 and in America.”

The Democratic candidate identified the economy and democracy as the two most pressing issues facing the country. McClure argued that reducing military involvement overseas and rolling back tariffs would help lower costs for Americans.

“The first thing we do is get our troops out of the Persian Gulf and bring them home,” he said. “That will bring down gas prices. We roll those tariffs back, and we cut taxes for the middle class because that will put more money in people’s pockets.”

McClure also criticized U.S. involvement in Iran, calling the conflict “unconstitutional” and arguing that President Donald Trump failed to secure congressional approval before taking military action.

“I would insist that Trump comply with the War Powers Act, and I would fight like hell to make that happen,” McClure said.

On voting rights, McClure said he opposes the SAVE Act and supports expanding voter access. He also expressed concern about recent Supreme Court rulings that voting rights advocates say weaken protections under the federal Voting Rights Act.

“I myself would fight to have the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 codified in the Constitution so the Supreme Court couldn’t abolish it,” he said.

McClure said his experience leading Northampton County has prepared him to make an impact in Congress.

“The fact of the matter is, when I get down there, I will provide the leadership that is absolutely necessary to make sure that these things happen, because I’ve done it here,” he said.

All this week 69 News will profiling all the candidates for the 7th Congressional District race.

You can learn more about Lamont McClure’s campaign here: https://mcclureforpa.com/.