Bob Brooks, the Democratic candidate challenging Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, has withdrawn from the only debate that had been scheduled between the two candidates.
The cancellation comes amid a series of reports examining Brooks’ background and public statements. According to reporting by U.S. News & World Report, Brooks referred to volunteer firefighters as “scabs” and used a vulgar slur against them in social media posts. The outlet also reported that Brooks was allegedly a steward at a social club that had an unofficial whites-only policy, and that his Facebook account featured far-right imagery.
Brooks’ campaign has not publicly detailed the reasoning behind pulling out of the debate. The race in PA-7, currently held by Mackenzie, is one of several competitive House contests in Pennsylvania ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Neither campaign has announced plans to reschedule a debate between the two candidates.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login