From the firehouse to Congress: Bob Brooks takes his fight to Washington
Iain Hoey
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Brooks announces candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 7th District
Firefighter and union leader Bob Brooks has officially entered the race for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District.
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Brooks declared his candidacy this week through a video posted on social media.
The IAFF reported that Brooks has served more than two decades with the Bethlehem Fire Department and currently holds the presidency of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association (PPFFA).
It stated that under his leadership the PPFFA has worked with state legislators on firefighter health and safety laws.
The organisation added that the IAFF will support Brooks in his congressional campaign.
IAFF and union backing
IAFF General President Edward Kelly said: “Bob Brooks is one of us – plain and simple.
“He epitomises what it means to be a union fire fighter, and he’s spent his whole career fighting for working people.
“I know he’ll bring that same fight to the halls of Congress.
“Washington needs more leaders like Brother Brooks, and the IAFF is proud to support his campaign.”
The IAFF confirmed that Brooks entered the race with additional support from Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Congressman Chris Deluzio, and the SEIU’s Pennsylvania State Council.
The association noted that Brooks’ campaign raised more than $100,000 in the first 24 hours.
Brooks’ message to voters
Brooks said: “I got into this for the people I’ve worked alongside my whole life.
“There are not enough working-class people in Congress.”
He added: “I’ve spent decades running into burning buildings and sitting across the table from management fighting for fair contracts.
“I know what it’s like to have your safety on the line, to work a few jobs to cover the bills, and to have someone try to tell you your work isn’t worth what you know it is.
“That’s why I’m running – folks like us deserve someone in Washington who’s lived it, not just talked about it.”
Career in firefighting and union leadership
The IAFF reported that Brooks joined the Bethlehem Fire Department in 2005.
It said he served in a variety of roles within IAFF Local 735, including roster duty chairman, trustee, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and president.
It added that in 2021 Brooks became president of the PPFFA, representing more than 8,000 firefighters across Pennsylvania.
The IAFF explained that during his tenure Brooks worked to expand mental health support for firefighters, including insurance coverage for post-traumatic stress injury.
The group stated that this legislative push took more than ten years of advocacy.
Personal background
The IAFF outlined that Brooks grew up in a working-class household and held multiple jobs before becoming a firefighter.
It stated that he has also operated Brooks Lawn Care, a family business started in 2013.
The organisation noted that Brooks lives in Nazareth with his wife and four children and is a grandfather to two granddaughters.
It added that he has been active in community sports, coaching youth and varsity baseball for more than 20 years.
Campaign priorities
According to the IAFF, Brooks is running on a platform focused on lowering costs for families, expanding healthcare access, and strengthening worker protections.
The association indicated that Brooks wants to bring his experience as a firefighter and union leader into federal policymaking.
It added that Brooks intends to represent working families with first-hand knowledge of their challenges.
The IAFF reported that Brooks’ campaign will emphasise his history of contract negotiations, safety advocacy, and direct service in emergency response.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
Brooks’ candidacy highlights how professional firefighting experience can shape political leadership.
The IAFF’s support reflects the role of firefighter unions in advancing safety legislation.
For fire and safety professionals, his platform underscores issues including healthcare access, mental health coverage, and workplace protections.
His experience shows the potential impact of firefighter advocacy at both state and federal levels.
Firefighter Bob Brooks launches Pennsylvania congressional campaign: Summary
Bob Brooks has announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District.
The International Association of Fire Fighters reported that Brooks released a video confirming his run.
The IAFF confirmed that Brooks served over 20 years with the Bethlehem Fire Department.
It added that Brooks became president of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association in 2021.
The IAFF stated that Brooks has worked on health and safety legislation for firefighters.
IAFF General President Edward Kelly said the organisation supports Brooks’ campaign.
The IAFF reported that Brooks’ campaign raised over $100,000 in the first 24 hours.
It said Brooks has received endorsements from state and national political leaders.
The IAFF outlined that Brooks is campaigning on lowering costs, expanding healthcare, and prioritising workers’ needs.
The organisation confirmed that Brooks is running with union and political backing.
