Democratic congressional candidate Bob Brooks is facing renewed scrutiny over past social media posts after a report highlighted statements expressing pro-police, pro-gun, and religious views, prompting an apology as he campaigns in a closely contested Pennsylvania district.

Brooks, a firefighter and union leader running for a U.S. House seat currently held by Ryan Mackenzie, acknowledged sharing controversial content in previous years, including a 2019 Facebook post following a mass shooting in Texas. The post argued that societal issues, rather than firearms, were to blame and included imagery that critics later linked to controversial symbolism.

A spokesperson for Brooks said he regrets the post and was unaware of any association with extremist imagery at the time. Brooks himself also issued a broader apology, stating he had shared “a few stupid things” in the past while maintaining that his overall record and values remain consistent.

The scrutiny comes as Brooks attempts to position himself as a candidate capable of appealing to working-class voters in a swing district that has shifted between parties in recent election cycles. The race is viewed as a key pickup opportunity for Democrats, who are aiming to regain control of the House.

Brooks pushed back on the criticism, suggesting political opponents were selectively highlighting older posts to undermine his campaign. At the same time, the issue has drawn attention due to the contrast between his past statements and current Democratic Party messaging on issues such as policing and gun policy.

Despite the controversy, Brooks has secured endorsements from prominent Democrats, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Bernie Sanders, indicating party leaders are willing to back his candidacy in a district where a more moderate profile could be seen as advantageous.

The candidate is competing in a crowded Democratic primary field ahead of the May 19 election, which will determine who faces Mackenzie in the general election. Other candidates include former prosecutor Ryan Crosswell, former county executive Lamont McClure, and engineer Carol Obando-Derstine.

The district remains one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the country, having been decided by a narrow margin in 2024, with President Donald Trump carrying the area by several percentage points at the top of the ticket.

The controversy surrounding Brooks’ past statements underscores ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party as candidates navigate messaging in competitive districts where voter coalitions often diverge on key cultural and policy issues.