Professional fire fighter Bob Brooks made his first political campaign a successful one, ousting Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie.
Brooks, who defeated three challengers in a spring primary to earn the Democratic nomination, rode his blue-collar roots past the freshman representative, who defeated Susan Wild by just over 4,000 votes two years ago.
“Tonight, the Lehigh Valley made history and sent a firefighter to put out the dumpster fire in Washington, D.C.,” said Brooks.
“When I was 18, my house burned down, and my mom and I lost just about everything. Now, a kid with no college degree who washed dishes, delivered pizzas, drives a snow plow, and spent twenty years on a fire truck is going to Congress. Only in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, and only in America.
“All across this district, I’ve met people who work hard, punch the clock, and do everything right, and they’re still struggling just to get by. They’re sick of getting kicked in the teeth by a broken political system.
“For twenty years, I ran into burning buildings without ever asking who somebody voted for. That’s how I’m going to do this job. If you voted for me, I now work for you. If you voted for the other guy, I’m going to work just as hard for you. That is my promise.
“To my union brothers and sisters, to Governor Shapiro and Congressman Deluzio, who had my back from day one, to my family, my staff, and every volunteer who knocked a door or put a sign back in their yard: thank you. Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we get to work building something better from the ashes.”
AP called the race at 10:32 p.m.
“Bob Brooks knows what a hard day’s work looks like, and he knows what it means to serve his community – that’s why he’s going to Congress,” said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene. “After 20 years putting out fires in the city of Bethlehem, 30 years coaching youth baseball, and a lifetime of hard work, the voters of the Lehigh Valley put their trust in Bob because they know he will fight for them. Bob is going to help put out the fire in Washington D.C. and build something better from the ashes.”
