Lamont McClure, the longtime Northampton County executive, was the first Democrat to announce a campaign for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need a fighter in D.C. for the people of Pennsylvania\u2019s 7th District,\u201d McClure said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 2022, I cut property taxes for the people of Northampton County, and that has saved taxpayers $25 million \u2014 and counting,\u201d McClure said. \u201cI\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first thing we do is get our troops out of the Persian Gulf and bring them home,\u201d he said. \u201cThat 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\u2019s pockets.\u201d<\/p>\n
McClure also criticized U.S. involvement in Iran, calling the conflict \u201cunconstitutional\u201d and arguing that President Donald Trump failed to secure congressional approval before taking military action.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would insist that Trump comply with the War Powers Act, and I would fight like hell to make that happen,\u201d McClure said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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\u2019t abolish it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
McClure said his experience leading Northampton County has prepared him to make an impact in Congress.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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\u2019ve done it here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
All this week 69 News will profiling all the candidates for the 7th Congressional District race.<\/p>\n