A debate among the four PA07 Democratic Primary Congressional Candidates was held at Arts On Center in Jim Thorpe (410 Center Ave.) on Thursday evening, April 23, 2026, sponsored by the Carbon County Democratic Executive Board. It was live-streamed by Blue Ridge Communications TV Channel 13, and moderated by Kim Bell, general manager at BRCTV.
More than 100 people including 30 volunteers attended the well organized debate as candidates addressed questions submitted by both the committee and the audience. Watch the debate on the YouTube link.
Carol Obando-Derstine is a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. She has a professional background in engineering and has held leadership roles in both the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her experience in the district spans more than two decades, including work focused on community engagement, public service, and lowering energy costs. Her campaign is about lowering costs for working families, expanding access to affordable health care, supporting small businesses, leading a transition to a clean energy future that benefits our district, and standing up to the reckless agenda coming out of Washington.
Lamont McClure is the former Northampton County Executive and a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. During his tenure as County Executive, he led local government operations in the Lehigh Valley. McClure is running on his experience in public administration and local leadership.
Ryan Crosswell is a Marine Corps veteran and former federal prosecutor running in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and later as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuting criminal and public corruption cases. Crosswell has emphasized protecting democracy, restoring integrity to government, and addressing affordability issues facing working families.
Bob Brooks is a firefighter and labor leader running in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. He serves as President of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association and has worked as a career firefighter. Brooks’ campaign highlights public safety, workers’ rights, and working-class representation.