Labor unions back firefighter to oust Republican congressman

Firefighter Bob Brooks has secured nine labor endorsements since launching his US House campaign and is uniting factions of the Democratic Party along the way.

Labor unions from around Pennsylvania continue lining up behind Bob Brooks’ bid to unseat freshman US House Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) in next year’s midterm elections. 

On Monday, Brooks, the President of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association (PPFA), announced the support of Teamsters Local 773, which represents 7,000 members across the Lehigh Valley, and Steamfitters Local 420. 

“For working people, endorsements aren’t about politics – they’re about trust,” Brooks said in a statement. 

“My brothers and sisters in the Teamsters and Steamfitters know I’ve spent my career fighting for safer workplaces, fair pay, and decent healthcare. I’ve walked picket lines, sat across the table from management, and stood up when it mattered. I’m proud to have their support.”

With these latest two endorsements, Brooks is now backed by nine different labor unions, including a number of local firefighter unions backing his candidacy. 

Prior to running for Congress, he spent over 10 years pushing the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass mental health coverage for firefighters and first responders battling post traumatic stress injuries (PTSI).

Brooks, who spent over 20 years working as a firefighter in the City of Bethlehem and represents over 8,000 firefighters and first responders as president of the PPFA, is running in a crowded Democratic primary field, but has been able to unite different factions of the party with an impressive slate of endorsements.

Axios reported that Gov. Josh Shapiro helped recruit Brooks into the race, and has the support of US Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), US House Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Allegheny), Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, and a number of other local and state officials. 

“Throughout his career, Bob has worked hard for the men and women of organized labor – standing up for higher wages, better healthcare, and safer working conditions,” Shapiro said in a statement endorsing Brooks.

“Bob Brooks presents a stark contrast to the current Congressman – who has raised our costs, cut our healthcare, and attacked our freedoms. We need Bob in Congress to be my partner in delivering for Pennsylvanians. Bob has always had my back – and I am proud to endorse him in this race and stand with him in the fight to make life more affordable and get stuff done for our communities.”