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Republican Congressman Ryan Mackenzie and Democrat Bob Brooks made their final appeals to voters in the Lehigh Valley over the weekend. Brooks held a rally in Lehigh County on Saturday with Governor Josh Shapiro, who is also on Tuesday's ballot. Meanwhile, Mackenzie was joined by House Speaker Mike Johnson for an event in Carbon County.
The race for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District is highly competitive, with a recent poll by Muhlenberg College showing Brooks leading Mackenzie by 49% to 43% among likely voters. The poll, conducted from October 6-15, highlights voters' concerns about the rising cost of living as a major issue, with 80% saying it influences their voting decisions.
Brooks' campaign has been marked by controversy, including a cease-and-desist letter sent to Mackenzie over a campaign ad that Brooks claims is defamatory. Mackenzie, however, has refused to remove the ad, asserting that it is truthful.
The candidates have also clashed over a debate that was scheduled for October 21. Brooks withdrew from the debate, citing Mackenzie's aggressive campaign rhetoric. Brooks' spokesperson, Benny Stanislawski, stated that Mackenzie has spread "outright lies" against Brooks.
Despite the controversies, Mackenzie remains optimistic, with his campaign manager, Andres Weller, stating that Brooks' "casual willingness to lie to voters is once again on full display."
The outcome of this race is crucial, as it is one of the few that will determine which party controls the House of Representatives next year. The election is set for Tuesday (November 3).