ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Bob Brooks, a career firefighter and union leader, defeated Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, the International Association of Fire Fighters said Nov. 4.
The union, which represents professional firefighters in the U.S. and Canada and backed Brooks through its political action committee, FIREPAC, said he won with 55% of the vote in one of the most closely watched House races in the country. The Lehigh Valley district, which includes Allentown and Bethlehem, sits across the Delaware River from New Jersey’s Warren County.
According to the IAFF, union members volunteered to phone bank and knock on doors for Brooks in Bethlehem and Allentown.
“For 20 years, I ran into burning buildings without ever asking who somebody voted for,” Brooks said, adding that he would work as hard for voters who did not support him as for those who did.
“Tonight, we celebrate,” Brooks told supporters. “Tomorrow, we get to work building something better from the ashes.”
Brooks was active in IAFF Local 735 throughout his 20-year firefighting career, serving as roster duty chairman, trustee, vice president, secretary-treasurer and president, the union said. He has led the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association since 2021. The IAFF said that makes him the first statewide IAFF leader elected to federal office.
The union said Brooks was endorsed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Sen. Bernie Sanders and several members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation. It said he campaigned on lowering costs for families, expanding access to health care and putting workers first.
“It’s not about a politician’s party; it’s about whether they’ll stand up for fire fighters,” IAFF General President Edward Kelly said.
This report is based on information from the International Association of Fire Fighters.
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
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