Democrat Bob Brooks’ Congressional Campaign Faces Scrutiny
In Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, Democrat Bob Brooks positions himself as a representative for everyday citizens. However, the figures might tell a different tale.
After stepping into the role of president of the Pennsylvania Firefighters Association in a special election in 2021, Brooks has seen his overall compensation rise by roughly 10%. In contrast, funding for first responders has dropped by 18%. Documents submitted to the Department of Labor indicate a significant rise of 38% in general expenses during Brooks’ tenure, which coincided with a 14% increase in dues.
“Bob Brooks’ entire career seems to revolve around big money grabs,” critics contend.
His role relates closely to labor unions, which involves collective bargaining and mediation of workplace disputes. However, expenses for these core activities have seen a decline, with an 18% reduction in spending on such efforts during Brooks’ administration, falling from $110,174 in the fiscal year concluding in August 2022 to $90,196 in 2025.
Attempts to reach the PPFFA for comments were unsuccessful.
According to Department of Labor records, Brooks’ salary for the partial fiscal year ending in August 2022 was $45,199, rising to $57,917 in 2023. It is projected to increase further to $61,709 in 2024 and $63,715 by August 2025, as he maintains a firefighter position in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania until early 2025.
Brooks is contesting against one-term incumbent Congressman Ryan McKenzie, who previously took over Democrat Susie Wilde’s seat.
“For 20 years, Bob fought fires in Bethlehem to protect the community. As chairman of his union, he has secured higher wages and improved healthcare for his colleagues. His salary wasn’t set arbitrarily; it was determined through member votes,” a spokesperson for Brooks stated, arguing that McKenzie lacks real-world experience outside of politics and doesn’t grasp the challenges faced by workers.
Interestingly, the bulk of Brooks’ compensation increases stem from benefits and expenses rather than direct salary hikes. The Brooks campaign did not contest the union’s filings with the Department of Labor.
During Brooks’ tenure, monthly dues for members have increased as well, going from $14.30 per month in August 2022 to $15.86 in 2025. This increase seems disconnected from efforts to bolster collective bargaining or worker representation.
The PPFFA, a mid-sized statewide union, represents over 6,000 members. However, spending on collective bargaining initiatives has noticeably decreased under Brooks’ leadership.
Increases in general overhead have also been steep, up by 38% from $81,722 to $112,397 over the same period.
Critics are not holding back. “Bob Brooks touts himself as a champion for workers while engaging in questionable practices,” remarked Andrew Weller, spokesperson for the McKenzie campaign, asserting that Brooks is simply pursuing another scheme targeting voters in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos.
Brooks stirred up some controversy earlier this year when he made derogatory remarks about volunteer firefighters, labeling them “two hatters’ shitbags” and “scabs” during a fireman shortage, according to reports.
