Bob Brooks Has a Troubling Financial History, and He's Ducking Debates to Hide This From Voters

September 4, 2026

In July, Townhall reported that Bob Brooks, the Democrat running for the House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, has a history of financial troubles. That report stems from suspicious donations sent to his campaign and ongoing litigation over property transferred to his current wife to avoid paying his former in-laws a $130,000 debt.


But it seems that's not the only financial trouble Brooks has had. In fact, court records show multiple financial issues, including foreclosures, liens, and debt collections.


On June 16, 2004, Blue Eagle Custom Builders, Inc. filed a lien naming Robert Brooks in Northampton County Court. That lien was released the same day. The reason for the lien's release is unclear. But in October 2005, Brooks filed a lawsuit against Blue Eagle Custom Builders, Inc. That case was disposed in 2007.


In 2012, Wells Fargo filed a foreclosure against Brooks. That case was discontinued without prejudice in 2018. That same year, another lien was filed against Brooks, this time involving Midland Funding. That lien was in the amount of $5,480.84. The case remains open, although the status is unclear, but a 2019 filing showed the court directed the sheriff to garnish Brooks' assets to satisfy this debt. A second judgment was entered against Brooks in 2012, this time involving a debt-collection case with FIA Card Services. That judgment was in the amount of $7,872.59 and reported as satisfied in 2024.


U.S. Bank also filed a second foreclosure against Brooks in June 2016. That case was closed in December 2016.


The $130,000 court-ordered judgment against Brooks isn't going away, either. The balance on that debt has now grown to over $162,000 while the lawsuit works its way through the courts. On August 5, a Northampton County judge ruled that the fraud lawsuit against Brooks — brought by his former in-laws — may proceed. Brooks continues to deny any wrongdoing in that case.


But what's most concerning is Brooks' federal financial disclosures. His original 2025 disclosure failed to list that judgment on that disclosure. 


One of Brooks' Democrat opponents, Ryan Crosswell, called out Brooks for his falsified disclosure, specifically in relation to the $130,000 judgment.


"Because he didn't include it in his previous disclosures, voters only learned about it when his mother-in-law filed a fraud lawsuit against him in February," Crosswell wrote. "Only then did his campaign admit they intentionally didn't disclose this debt in their House Ethics filing." Crosswell then linked to a piece in the Lehigh Valley News covering that lawsuit.


Brooks also failed to list a pension that he bragged about having from his time as a firefighter with the city of Bethlehem. While that page is no longer accessible, Brooks said "I personally have a good pension from 20 years of working for the City of Bethlehem as a firefighter, but I'm one of the lucky ones. Every hardworking American, especially young people, should be afforded the opportunity to get a pension, and that starts by passing the PRO Act and giving everyone the chance to join a union." Divorce records also show Brooks had a 457 retirement account through the City of Bethlehem.


With the election two months away and mail-in voting starting soon, Pennsylvania voters deserve to know what's going on with Brooks and his financial history. But Brooks wants to hide this from the public, and has — so far — refused to debate his Republican opponent, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie.


Mackenzie has agreed to multiple debate opportunities in September so that voters can hear from both candidates on the issues. Brooks has either declined or ignored these opportunities. Instead, Brooks has agreed to a debate arrangement that would have part of the debate not air until just before Election Day.


Is Brooks hiding from voters because he doesn't want to answer questions about his financial history, court proceedings, and financial disclosures?


While Ryan Mackenzie is ready to debate, Brooks is delaying facing voters. And voters in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District deserve accountability, transparency, and the full story before they cast a single ballot.


Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.


Help Townhall continue to report on the Democrats’ radicalism and inform voters as our nation faces a crossroads. Join Townhall VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.

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September 4, 2026
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August 28, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 28, 2026 Contact: Matthew Beynon – mbeynon@brabendercox.com ***PRESS RELEASE*** Garrity Comments On Tragic Lancaster County Deaths And Responds To Josh Shapiro’s Political Theater HARRISBURG, PA – State Treasurer and Republican nominee for Governor Stacy Garrity (R-PA) issued the following statement in response to Governor Josh Shapiro’s (D-PA) proposed public-health mandates and his irresponsible press conference following tragic deaths in Lancaster County. Stacy Garrity said: “Josh Shapiro recently proposed public health mandates that would make draconian COVID-era restrictions blush. Among other measures, his proposed regulatory scheme would allow his Department of Health henchmen to conduct warrantless searches of private property, access patients’ confidential medical records, and require schools to give those officials one-on-one, private access to students.” Shapiro took his irresponsible behavior to the next level on Tuesday when he prematurely held a press conference claiming that two deaths in Lancaster County were as a result of a measles outbreak. However, as reported by LNP , Shapiro’s press conference took the Lancaster County coroner by “surprise” because as of Thursday the coroner’s office still had zero measles deaths. “Earlier this week, he demonstrated just how dangerous his proposed mandates could be when he held a highly staged partisan press conference in Lancaster County to discuss the deaths of two Pennsylvanians, but became dismissive when questioned about the actual facts. Today, there are still more questions than answers, largely because Josh Shapiro refuses to share the relevant information – proving once again that he is the least transparent governor in modern Pennsylvania history. Lost amid Josh Shapiro’s political theater is the tragedy of two deaths, including that of a newborn who never had a chance to experience life. My heart aches for the families and friends mourning the loss of their loved ones, and they will remain in my prayers. If I were governor today, I’d be working closely with ALL Lancaster County and federal officials – regardless of political party – using facts, not fear, to inform the public and protect public health. I would certainly not be bickering with local and federal officials or acting like I can go it alone,” Garrity continued. Shapiro’s irresponsible press conference comes on the heels of outrage sparked over his proposed public-health mandates that have entered a public comment period. Serious concerns have been raised over the Shapiro Administration’s proposal and its potential infringement on privacy and individual liberties. “Josh Shapiro clearly hasn’t learned anything about sound public health policy, creating trust, or communications in the last six years – and it shows. He’s pretending to be a strong governor because he’s just not good at being a good governor. Authority over public health is too consequential to be concentrated in the hands of one person – especially someone so willing and eager to turn matters of life and death into partisan political theater. I urge Josh Shapiro to immediately withdraw his oppressive proposed regulatory overreach scheme and work with the legislature and others to protect both individual rights and public health. Pennsylvania voters rejected his dictatorial style of public health overreach during COVID, and they will do so again if necessary,” Garrity concluded. PAID FOR BY GARRITY FOR PA
August 28, 2026
For Immediate Release: August 27, 2026 Contact: info@robforpa.com Law Enforcement Officers of Southern Luzerne County Represented by Christina-Doherty FOP Lodge 84 Endorse Congressman Rob Bresnahan for Reelection Pittston, PA - Congressman Rob Bresnahan today announced that he has earned the endorsement of Christina-Doherty Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #84, representing law enforcement officers across southern Luzerne County. Rep. Bresnahan has now earned the endorsement of seven FOP Lodges in Pennsylvania’s 8th district, as well as the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association . The endorsement follows Bresnahan’s recent address to the lodge, where he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting law enforcement across Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District. “Throughout his tenure in Congress, Rob Bresnahan has proven himself to be an unwavering champion for public safety and officer welfare. From fighting to secure crucial federal funding for local departments to advocating for legislation that protects those who wear the badge, his leadership has provided our officers with the confidence and resources needed to execute their duties safely and effectively,” said FOP Lodge 84 President, Michael Bogart. “He truly understands the unique challenges facing modern law enforcement, and his steadfast commitment to our mission does not go unnoticed.” The full endorsement letter can be viewed HERE . “Every day, the officers of FOP Christina-Doherty Lodge #84 put on the badge and answer the call, whatever it takes to keep southern Luzerne County safe,” said Congressman Rob Bresnahan . “That kind of courage deserves a partner in Washington who will fight for the resources and respect they've earned. I'm proud to have their support, and I won't let them down.” Meanwhile, Mayor Paige Cognetti has been hampered by negative press for her treatment of law endorsement, including downplaying homicides and gang violence in Scranton and prioritizing woke policies over funding for guns and ammunition. She also cut maternity leave for police officers and has stated she wants to disarm police officers . Law enforcement organizations that have endorsed Rep. Bresnahan include: Power City FOP Lodge 18 Wyoming Valley FOP Lodge 36 O’Rourke Memorial FOP Lodge 38 Frank Albert Memorial FOP Lodge 43 Paul Bickelman Memorial FOP Lodge 46 Stroud FOP Lodge 75 Christina-Doherty FOP Lodge 84 The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association  Learn more at www.RobForPA.com
August 25, 2026
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August 20, 2026
For Immediate Release: August 19, 2026 Contact: info@robforpa.com Pittston, PA - Speaker of the House Mike Johnson joined Congressman Rob Bresnahan in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District today, highlighting Bresnahan’s work on behalf of Northeastern Pennsylvania and rallying supporters ahead of November’s election. Speaker Johnson and Congressman Bresnahan were joined by Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09), Wyoming Area Regional Police Chief and registered Democrat Mike Turner, Kingston Borough Police Chief Rich Kotchik, Pike County Sheriff Brian Vennie, Wyoming Valley FOP Lodge 36 President Mike Huntzinger, Frank Albert Memorial FOP Lodge 43 President Steven Scoble, Robert Yonick of Wyoming Valley FOP Lodge 36, and Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher. Bresnahan emphasized that his first priority in Congress remains Northeastern Pennsylvania and ensuring the district has a representative willing to fight for its interests in Washington. “I’m grateful to Speaker Johnson for coming to Northeastern Pennsylvania and standing with us in this fight,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “The people of this district sent me to Washington to go to bat for them, and that’s what I’ve done every single day. We’re fighting to lower costs, protect taxpayers, secure our border, and make sure working families in Northeastern Pennsylvania have a voice in Congress.” The visit underscored the stakes of the PA-08 race and Republicans’ commitment to defending a key battleground district in November. Responding to Expected Cognetti Spin The following stats are pulled from the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System without spin. Violent Crime, Overall She'll cite a WVIA article stating that crime is down . That figure only works because 2021 was cherry-picked as the starting point, the year after she took office, and it erases everything before it. Her own police chief's numbers still show violent crime rising 15.5% in 2022 and 1.5% in 2024 inside that same window. Compare her tenure to what came before it, 2019-2024 versus 2013-2018, and homicides, rapes, and arson all rose. Homicides She'll point to a better 2025 and note two of the seven 2024 homicides were vehicular. Homicides still rose from 11 (2013-2018) to 14 (2019-2024), a 27% increase confirmed by WVIA against federal and state data. From 2021-2025 alone, the city recorded 15 homicides, and 2024 was the deadliest year in Scranton in over a decade, the same year a Scranton detective was shot in the line of duty. One better year doesn't erase that record, and recasting two homicides as "just vehicular" doesn't make them less deadly. Rapes She'll blame a 2021 reporting methodology change that reclassified assaults as rapes. If that were the real driver, aggravated assault numbers should have dropped sharply once the change took effect and stayed down. They didn't: 169 (2021), 165 (2022), 142 (2023), 114 (2024), 139 (2025), essentially flat. Reported rapes still rose 62% between 2019 and 2024, confirmed by WVIA. A flat assault line and a soaring rape line together mean this isn't just paperwork. Arson Arson cases rose 116% from 2019 to 2024, confirmed by WVIA using the city's own reported figures.  Guns and Ammunition She will try to say that she didn’t disarm the police. That doesn't erase what her administration actually did: cut the guns and ammunition budget from $43,500 to $20,000 in 2021, a cut of more than 50%, after engaging with anti-police activist groups. City Council, not Cognetti, added a separate $23,629 "special operations ammunition" line item that year to patch the hole. She did not sign the 2021 budget. She let it become law without her signature specifically because she objected to Council restoring that ammunition funding. She can say now she doesn't want to disarm police, but her 2020 comments and her refusal to sign the budget that funded them tell a different story about where she actually stood when it counted. Learn more at www.RobForPA.com
August 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2026 Contact: Matthew Beynon – mbeynon@brabendercox.com HARRISBURG, PA – State Treasurer and Republican nominee for Governor Stacy Garrity (R-PA) issued the following statement in response to Governor Josh Shapiro’s (D-PA) new data center executive order. Stacy Garrity said: “Josh Shapiro is trying to gaslight the people of Pennsylvania into not believing what they’ve seen with their own eyes for the past 13 months. Last summer, Josh Shapiro was the biggest data center cheerleader in the nation, and he reaped in more than $5 million in campaign donations from out-of-state data center interests in the process. Now that public opinion has turned against him and his donors, Josh Shapiro is playing CYA, and Pennsylvania voters aren’t buying it. Josh Shapiro lit the fuse on the chaos we are seeing in community-after-community across the Commonwealth because he was more concerned with his political ambitions than fighting for Pennsylvania communities. As Governor, I will never abandon the hardworking Pennsylvania families who rightly expect their Governor to fight for them, not out of state donors to a political campaign." PAID FOR BY GARRITY FOR PA
August 17, 2026
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August 17, 2026
Pittston, PA – Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien visited Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District today alongside Congressman Rob Bresnahan, underscoring their shared commitment to delivering results for working people and celebrating recent victories for Teamsters members in Northeastern Pennsylvania. During the visit, O’Brien, Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, Rep. Bresnahan, and Teamsters Local 229 Secretary-Treasurer Mike Kovaleski toured the Bazooka Ring Pop facility in Moosic, where more than 60 Teamsters recently ratified a new three-year contract that includes a 15 percent wage increase, lower health care costs, pension improvements, and stronger workplace protections. They also made stops at TForce Freight in Moosic, a UPS Facility in Taylor, and LT Verrastro Inc. in Old Forge.  “Rob Bresnahan is a strong ally on the issues that matter to Teamsters, from fighting to get the Faster Labor Contracts Act across the finish line to strengthening workplace protections and investing in railway safety. We know we can count on him to deliver results for working people,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Pennsylvania’s workers deserve leaders who they can depend on to stand up and fight for the issues that matter to them,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “I’m proud to work alongside the Teamsters to strengthen protections for workers, support collective bargaining, and fight for policies that benefit the hardworking men and women who are the backbone of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy.” In June of this year, The Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters endorsed Congressman Bresnahan’s campaign for reelection. For more information visit www.RobForPA.com .
August 17, 2026
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August 10, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 3 2026 Contact: Matthew Beynon – mbeynon@brabendercox.com HARRISBURG, PA – For nearly a year, Pennsylvania State Treasurer and Republican candidate for Governor Stacy Garrity has repeatedly taken Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) to task for his administration’s failure to lead. In nearly every speech she’s given, Garrity cited Pennsylvania’s abysmal rankings at 38 th economically, 39 th in education, and 41 st overall – but last week we found out it’s getting worse! Under Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s economy now ranks 47 th out of 50 states in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report – dropping 9 spots! Josh Shapiro says his work is “paying off.” Stacy Garrity knows Josh Shapiro is a failure. Here are the facts: Nearly seven in 10 Pennsylvania 8 th graders cannot read at grade level, yet Josh Shapiro refuses to opt into a new federal scholarship program that will help Pennsylvania children escape failing schools – even liberal governors in New York and Colorado have opt-ed in! For all the talk of one bridge the Shapiro administration repaired in Philadelphia, there are nearly 3,000 structurally deficient bridges across the Commonwealth, with Pennsylvania’s infrastructure earning a C-minus grade. Pennsylvania has the 5 th highest tax burden in the nation, making it tougher to raise a family, start a business, and build a life in the Commonwealth. Enough is enough, and Stacy Garrity has one message to Pennsylvanians struggling to make ends meet under Josh Shapiro’s failed administration: Help is on the way! PAID FOR BY GARRITY FOR PA
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