The Washington Post Takes a Look at Candidate Bob Brooks’ Social-Media History (Update)

(Updates with details about candidates, links to campaign websites)

April 21, 2026

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

The Washington Post has published some of candidate Bob Brooks’ old social media posts, and they’re not flattering.

Brooks, a firefighters union official, is one of four Democrats running to take on Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in November. Mackenzie is in his first term in Congress after serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Here’s a gift link to the story:

https://wapo.st/4cUHdBU

The Post story cited Bernie O’Hare’s blog, and O’Hare today gives some background and credits blogger Richard Wilkins in a post:

https://lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/2026/04/wapo-picks-up-on-inconvenient-truths.html?m=1

The other three candidates in the Democrat primary:

Former Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure Jr. is the only candidate with experience in elected office. He is an attorney. His campaign website touts his support for open space and his county budgets that never raised taxes, and once cut the property tax.

Former federal prosecutor Ryan Croswell has good credentials but switched parties and moved to the Lehigh Valley to run. The former Republican is a native of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, and serves in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

Also in the race for the 7th District nomination is Carol Obando-Derstine, who made the unfortunate decision to introduce herself to the electorate by saying she was running because “I’m pissed.”

Obando-Derstine, the only woman in the race, is supported by former U.S. Rep. Susan Wild. The candidate’s website says she is “an energy engineer, community advocate, working mother, and the product of a union household.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro endorsed Brooks so he’s now associated with the comments the Post cites.

On another note, the O’Hare blog is loaded with local news today. Take a look.