First debate set for Democrats in 7th Congressional District race
“Business Matters,” a long-standing show on WFMZ’s Channel 69, will host a debate featuring Democratic contenders in the 7th Congressional District on April 1.
Seven Democrats have said they will run in the May 19 primary election, but only five candidates will be invited to participate, according to a press release.
“... we will implement an appearance policy to assure we include the top contenders and provide time for meaningful conversation. We will be using criteria including fundraising benchmarks to narrow the field to the top 5 contenders,” the press release said.
Any additional candidates will be invited to appear on “Business Matters” in a later segment, the press release said.
The 7th District covers Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties and a sliver of Monroe County. The seat is held by freshman Republican Ryan Mackenzie, who bested three-term Democrat Susan Wild in 2024.
Crowded field complicates Democratic primary in 7th House District
Five candidates – Bob Brooks, a retired firefighter and state union president; Ryan Crosswell, a former federal prosecutor; Carol Derstine-Obando, a former aide to then U.S. Sen Bob Casey Jr.; Lamont McClure, a former Northampton County executive, and Mark Pinsley, Lehigh County’s controller – announced their campaigns last year.
Earlier this month, Aiden Gonzalez, the 27-year-old vice president of the newly reformed Lehigh Valley Young Democrats, and Lewis Shupe, a self-described “renegade Democrat” from Allentown, entered the race.
For the first nine months of 2025, Brooks, Crosswell, Derstine-Obando, McClure and Pinsley raised a combined $1.87 million. If Gonzalez and Shupe did not raise money in 2025, they will not have to file a report.
The deadline for filing the 2025 campaign finance report is Jan. 31. The first reporting period for 2026 runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 with a filing deadline of April 15.
Candidates also face a March 10 deadline to obtain 1,000 signatures on their nomination petitions. After that, legal challenges can be mounted with the potential of removing candidates from contention.
“Business Matters” is hosted by Tony Iannelli, president and CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. He will serve as the debate moderator.
The debate will be held noon to 1:30 p.m. at Moravian University’s Foy Hall, 342 Main St., Bethlehem. Information on how the public can attend will be released at a later date.
“Business Matters” will air the debate in two segments – at 7:30 p.m. on April 6 and April 13.