Bob Brooks

Biography

Bob Brooks is a firefighter union president from the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. He won the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District on May 19, 2026, defeating other candidates with the backing of Gov. Josh Shapiro. He will face Republican incumbent Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in the November general election.

Professional background

Firefighter union president

In this race

• Janelle Stelson (Democratic)
• Rob Bresnahan (Republican)
• Janelle Stelson (Democratic)
• Scott Perry (Republican)
• Ryan Mackenzie (Republican)

Issue positions

healthcare-single-payer (healthcare)

Brooks supports Medicare for All. This policy eliminates private insurance for 180+ million Americans. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has documented a risk of provider shortages and longer wait times under such a system. Canada's single-payer system, for example, produces a median 30-week wait from a general practitioner referral to specialist treatment (Fraser Institute 2025). Patients lose the ability to choose their own doctor or insurer. — "Ballotpedia survey, Congressional Budget Office, Fraser Institute 2025"

taxation-working-families-tax-cuts (taxation)

Brooks calls for repealing Working Families Tax Cuts. This action restores income taxes on tips for 4 million tipped workers and on overtime for 80+ million hourly workers. It also restores income taxes on Social Security for millions of retirees, cuts the Child Tax Credit from $2,200 back to $2,000 per child, and reduces the standard deduction for 90% of taxpayers. Furthermore, it eliminates the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, reverses increased Medicare payments to rural providers, and constitutes the largest tax increase in American history.

federal-spending-deficit (federal-spending)

Brooks wants to reverse 'One Big Beautiful Bill' cuts and add Medicare for All, pre-K, childcare, and paid leave. Reversing these cuts and implementing these programs will significantly increase federal spending and contribute to the national deficit.

immigration-border-security (immigration)

Brooks declined an immigration interview. He is endorsed by Bernie Sanders and the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, which generally advocate for more lenient immigration policies and reduced enforcement. — "Bernie Sanders endorsement, Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC endorsement"

labor-pro-act (labor)

Brooks endorses the PRO Act. This legislation overrides right-to-work laws in 27 states and eliminates independent contractor status for millions of gig workers. It exposes employers to secondary boycott liability and increases small business compliance costs. — "IAFF endorsement, SEIU endorsement, Bernie Sanders endorsement"

energy-climate (energy)

Brooks supports renewables, nuclear, and natural gas. This position indicates a diversified energy strategy that includes both traditional and cleaner energy sources.

Ratings & scores

• International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF): Endorsed (2025)
• Working Families Party: Endorsed (2026)