Pete Buttigieg, who served as Transportation Secretary under President Joe Biden and is widely considered a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, has thrown his support behind Bob Brooks, a career firefighter seeking to represent Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. This endorsement arrives at a pivotal moment in the race, as Democrats work to identify candidates who can connect with working-class voters in one of the nation's most competitive swing regions.
Brooks currently serves as president of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association and is campaigning to unseat first-term Republican Representative Ryan Mackenzie. The Democratic primary field remains crowded, with at least six other candidates pursuing the nomination as of this month, creating a competitive environment where high-profile endorsements can provide crucial momentum. These rivals include local officials, business leaders, and activists, each vying to present themselves as the most viable challenger to Mackenzie.
The endorsement, shared exclusively with The Inquirer, underscores the growing political significance of the Lehigh Valley region, which has become a key indicator of national electoral trends. Democratic strategists view the 7th District as one of the few Republican-held seats they can realistically flip in the 2026 midterm elections. The involvement of a high-profile figure like Buttigieg—who may himself be seeking the presidency in 2028—signals the importance of Pennsylvania as a critical battleground state.
In his endorsement statement, Buttigieg emphasized Brooks's unique background and working-class credentials. "People are seeking leaders who understand their lives and fight for their needs," Buttigieg said, highlighting Brooks's experience not only as a firefighter and union leader but also as a snowplow driver. This combination of public service and manual labor experience provides Brooks with an authentic narrative that resonates in a district where many voters work in manufacturing, logistics, and other blue-collar industries.
"He understands the urgency of lowering costs because he's lived it—working long hours, juggling jobs, and fighting for a paycheck that actually covers the basics," Buttigieg added. "It's a perspective Washington needs more of, and I'm proud to endorse him."
Brooks expressed gratitude for the endorsement, noting that Buttigieg's support carries particular weight given his reputation for listening to diverse voices and making government more responsive to ordinary citizens during a time when many feel disconnected from the political process.
"It's an honor to have him on board as we fight to build a Congress that looks like and works for the people it serves," Brooks said in response.
The firefighter's campaign has attracted a broad coalition of support beyond Buttigieg. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, another Democrat frequently mentioned as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, has backed Brooks, as has Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. The progressive wing of the party is also represented, with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) offering his endorsement. Additionally, numerous labor unions and local elected officials have rallied behind Brooks's candidacy, creating a diverse coalition that spans the Democratic Party's ideological spectrum.
On the Republican side, Mackenzie has secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who has backed nearly every congressional Republican in Pennsylvania except Representative Brian Fitzpatrick. Vice President JD Vance also visited the district in December, demonstrating the GOP's commitment to holding the seat. These visits underscore the national Republican Party's recognition that the Lehigh Valley represents a crucial front in their efforts to maintain House control.
Despite these high-profile Republican endorsements, Mackenzie may face headwinds. While Trump made his most significant gains in Pennsylvania during the 2024 election in the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania, recent voter interviews and polling data suggest that support could be eroding as the 2026 midterms approach. This potential shift creates an opening for Democrats in a district that has become increasingly competitive.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has identified Mackenzie's seat as one of its top targets for 2026, alongside those held by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick of Bucks County, Scott Perry of York County, and Rob Bresnahan of Lackawanna County. The outcome in Pennsylvania's 7th District could help determine control of the House of Representatives in the next midterm election, making it a priority for Democratic leadership and donors.
Brooks's campaign centers on economic issues that resonate with working families, leveraging his personal experience with the challenges faced by many constituents. His background as a first responder and union leader positions him as a candidate who can speak authentically about kitchen-table concerns, from healthcare costs to wages that keep pace with inflation. This focus on economic populism represents a strategic choice by Democrats to compete for voters who may have drifted toward Republicans in recent cycles.
The Lehigh Valley's status as a political bellwether makes this race particularly significant. The region's mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities mirrors the demographic and economic diversity of Pennsylvania as a whole. Success here often presages broader electoral trends, which explains why both parties are investing heavily in the contest. The district includes cities like Allentown and Bethlehem, suburban townships with growing populations, and rural areas that have traditionally leaned Republican.
As the primary campaign intensifies, Brooks will need to differentiate himself from his Democratic rivals while building the coalition necessary to defeat Mackenzie in a general election. The endorsement from Buttigieg provides not just validation but also potential access to a national fundraising network and the former cabinet member's political organization. This could prove crucial in a race where both candidates are expected to raise millions of dollars.
For Buttigieg, the endorsement represents an opportunity to maintain his visibility in a crucial swing state and align himself with a candidate whose working-class appeal could offer a blueprint for Democratic success in future cycles. His focus on candidates who can connect with voters on economic issues suggests a strategic approach to building the party's bench in competitive districts. By supporting Brooks, Buttigieg demonstrates his commitment to electing Democrats who can win in challenging environments.
The race will likely draw increasing attention from national media and political operatives as the 2026 elections approach. With both parties viewing the seat as winnable, the contest promises to be one of the most closely watched House races in the country, serving as a potential referendum on the political direction of the Lehigh Valley and, by extension, Pennsylvania. The outcome could provide early signals about which party's message resonates more effectively with swing voters in the critical years leading up to the 2028 presidential election.
Political analysts note that the Lehigh Valley has undergone significant demographic shifts in recent decades, with an influx of Hispanic voters and younger professionals changing the region's political calculus. These changes have created opportunities for Democrats even as some working-class white voters have moved toward Republicans. Candidates like Brooks, who can bridge these divides with a message focused on economic opportunity and public service, may be best positioned to succeed.
The endorsement also highlights the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party about how to regain ground with working-class voters. While some strategists advocate for cultural moderation, others believe that economic populism and authentic working-class candidates offer the best path forward. Brooks's candidacy represents a test of the latter approach, and Buttigieg's support suggests that potential presidential contenders are paying attention to the results.
As the campaign progresses, voters can expect to see increased advertising, town halls, and grassroots organizing efforts from both campaigns. The national attention ensures that local issues will be framed within broader political narratives, potentially influencing how residents view their role in America's democratic process. For now, Brooks's growing list of endorsements provides momentum, but the ultimate test will come at the ballot box in both the primary and general elections.