Bob Brooks, Ryan Crosswell, Lamont McClure, and Carol Obando-Derstine are running in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District on May 19, 2026. The winner will face incumbent Ryan Mackenzie (R) in the November 3, 2026, general election.

NBC News' Dylan Ebs and Melanie Jackson wrote that the primary "has turned into a crowded microcosm of the different approaches Democrats are taking to appeal to voters, define their party and frame themselves as strong candidates in the age of President Donald Trump."

In 2024, Mackenzie, then a state legislator, defeated then-Rep. Susan Wild (D) 50.4%-49.4%. That election had the smallest margin of victory of any U.S. House race in Pennsylvania in 2024 and the eighth-smallest margin nationwide. Media outlets consider the district a regional and national bellwether. Trump won the district by 51.1%-47.9% in the 2024 presidential election.

Three independent race forecasters have rated the general election as a toss-up. According to City and State's Justin Sweitzer, "The narrow margin of the 2024 contest, coupled with a high-stakes midterm election cycle, makes the 7th Congressional District a must-win for both parties, and Democrats are lining up in droves for a chance to face Mackenzie in November."

Below is a background on each candidate. To read more about how Ballotpedia defines noteworthy candidates, click here.

• Brooks is a firefighter in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and president of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association. Governor Josh Shapiro (D), U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D), Pete Buttigieg (D), as well as the Working Families Party, the SEIU state council, and the International Association of Fire Fighters endorsed Brooks. Brooks has described himself as a member of the working class and says that his opponents are career politicians. His campaign website says, "The number one issue I hear from my neighbors and friends is how unaffordable life is. Frankly, it’s the reason I got into this race. Working people can’t keep up with groceries, electricity bills, rent, healthcare, childcare, you name it. Wages aren’t keeping pace, and too many are working harder than ever for too small a paycheck."
• Crosswell was a federal prosecutor for 10 years and a Marine. He is highlighting his resignation from the Justice Department in February 2025 as part of his campaign. Crosswell resigned in response to the Trump administration's decision to drop corruption charges against then-New York City mayor Eric Adams (D). U.S. Rep. Derek Tran (D-Calif.) and VoteVets endorsed Crosswell. Crosswell's campaign website says, "As a Marine and then a federal prosecutor, I’ve spent my life in service to this country. But when Donald Trump tried to get the prosecutors in my section to use the Department of Justice as a weapon against his enemies, that was something I would never do, so I stepped down. And now, I’m fighting back."
• McClure is a former Northampton County executive. Bethlehem mayor Bob Donchez, Northampton County Council member Kelly Keegan, and Lehigh Valley Labor Council President Jim Irwin endorsed McClure. McClure is running on his record in local government. His campaign website says, "Whether I was fighting the world's largest corporations and their insurance companies on behalf of Steelworkers and other Trades people, who through no fault of their own were sickened by asbestos, or while on Northampton County Council battling to protect the elderly residents of our nursing home from being sold out to a for profit corporation, or as County Executive taking on the opioid manufacturers who caused so much death and devastation through the fentanyl crisis, I've always been a fighter on your side against the powerful interests."
• Obando-Derstine worked as a senior advisor to former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D). Her other career experience includes being an engineer, nonprofit executive director, and community college professor. Wild, U.S. Reps. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), and EMILY'S List endorsed Obando-Derstine. Obando-Derstine's campaign website says, "In Congress, Carol will focus on lowering costs for working families, expanding access to affordable health care, supporting small businesses, leading a transition to a clean energy future that benefits our district, and standing up to the reckless agenda coming out of Washington."

Brooks and Obando-Derstine completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Click here to see their responses.