2026 Election

Some Pennsylvania Democrats Are Skeptical of Washington’s Sway

Democrats are trying to nationalize their affordability message, bringing big names to swing districts.

Shapiro Brooks Jeffries

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, congressional candidate Bob Brooks and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries campaign in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, even as voters say they don’t like Washington politicians inserting themselves. Kadia Goba/NOTUS

By Kadia Goba

July 26, 2026 09:03 p.m.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Some voters in Pennsylvania think Democrats have a Washington problem.

Which is why it was a little confusing that Democrat Bob Brooks, a former firefighter backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, was hardly the main attraction at his own campaign rally Sunday.

The congressional candidate addressed roughly 150 attendees at the United Steelworkers Union Hall here. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and then House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries followed Brooks — rather than serving as the warm-up to their featured candidate.