Latino voters could play a significant role in deciding the race for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, as Democrat Bob Brooks and Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie work to connect with the growing constituency ahead of the 2026 midterm election. More than 22% of the population in the 7th Congressional District is Latino or Hispanic, while about 56% of Allentown’s population is Latino or Hispanic. At a Brooks campaign event in Allentown, signs in Spanish were part of the effort to reach those voters. “We’re calling it Bombero Bob or Firefighter Bob,” Brooks said. Victor Martinez, who is part of the team backing Brooks, said the candidate needs to continue meeting voters directly. Martinez also owns local La Mega radio station and hosts its morning show. “He needs to keep showing up. He needs to knock on those doors. He needs to make sure people know him, they can see him and they can talk to him. That’s what he needs to do. That’s what I told him this morning. He’s doing that, that’s why I’m here,” Martinez said. Martinez said economic concerns are among the issues he hears people discussing. “What everyone is talking about is the economy. Back in the day, we used to say, ‘It’s the economy, stupid.’ That’s what it is people want to know. What’s going on with the gas prices? What’s going on with the meat prices? People want to know what’s going on with the gas and electricity. People want to know what’s going on w the war,” Martinez said. Mackenzie launched his own Latinos for Mackenzie coalition in summer 2026. George Rivera, chair of the Lehigh County Republican Committee, is part of the group. He pointed to President Donald Trump’s support among Latino voters in 2024 as Republicans seek to maintain support from the community. “We’re a big part of Lehigh County Latino community,” Rivera said. Rivera said he believes Latino voters continue to support Republican and conservative candidates. “I still think the Latino community supports people associated with the Republican party, conservative party. The Latino community, the foundation of it is about traditional family, family values, religious, hard working, fiscal responsibility, safety, prosperity,” Rivera said. Both Republicans and Democrats are making their pitches to Latino voters as the community prepares to help decide the congressional race this fall. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less