Bob Brooks, a former Bethlehem firefighter running to be the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Lehigh Valley next year, secured endorsements from three prominent elected officials in Allentown, a notable achievement in the crowded, five candidate Democratic primary.
In a news release, Brooks’ campaign announced Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk and state Reps. Pete Schweyer and Mike Schlossberg, who represent Allentown and surrounding suburbs, are supporting his bid for the Democratic nomination.
“Allentown needs leaders in Washington who understand what our community is up against and who show up for us every day,” Tuerk said in a statement. “As a mayor, I know how much strong, committed leadership matters. Bob Brooks has spent 25 years protecting this community as a firefighter and union leader, and I know he’ll bring that same steady leadership and compassion to Congress.”
Brooks is one of five Democrats hoping to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in 2026. Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure, former PPL executive Carol Obando-Derstine, former federal prosecutor Ryan Crosswell and Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley also are running in the May Democratic primary.
Brooks is president of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association and announced his bid for the seat in August. On the campaign trail, he has drawn upon his working class background and career in firefighting to make the case that he would advocate for working people if elected.
“Bob knows what it’s like to struggle because he’s lived it,” Schlossberg said in a written endorsement statement. “He knows what it’s like to work a couple jobs, support a family, and push through in an economy that just isn’t working for working people. He’s faced personal challenges and turned them into a drive to do good in the world. And Bob can win. While Mackenzie and Trump are stoking division, Bob is a firefighter — someone who runs toward the fire. We need that kind of leadership now more than ever.”
Brooks also has received several prominent endorsements from national progressive figures including U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Pennsylvania Rep. Chris Deluzio and Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. The International Association of Fire Fighters’ president and state director of the Service Employees International Union also have endorsed him.
However, not all local Democrats have thrown their support behind Brooks, shaping up what will likely be a competitive Democratic primary.
Obando-Derstine is backed by former U.S. Rep. Susan Wild. McClure, who did not seek reelection as executive, has the backing of other prominent elected officials including Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong.
Crosswell has received endorsements from national veterans groups but few locally; however, he’s raised the most money out of all of the Democratic candidates. Pinsley has secured endorsements from progressive political groups including Progressive Democrats of America.