Pennsylvania voters weigh economy in key House race

Voters in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley are weighing the economy, jobs and party loyalty ahead of a November 3 House race that could help determine control of the US House of Representatives.

In Bethlehem, a former steel city where a large mill closed in the 1990s, workers described mixed views on President Donald Trump, prices and the region's changing economy. The area now has jobs in logistics, food manufacturing and a growing pharmaceutical sector.

Commercial roofer Nev Hamm, 62, told AFP he believed industry was coming back because of Trump's protectionist policies. Beth Piniella, 40, who cleans a warehouse, said her family was doing all right but called Trump's performance “hit or miss” on some issues. Her husband Brian said he was “a little disappointed” because he had expected prices to come down.

The district is held by Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie, who won narrowly in 2024. His Democratic challenger is Bob Brooks, a former firefighter and political newcomer who presents himself as a working-class voice.

Some voters said they were frustrated with both major parties. Henry Martin, a 32-year-old warehouse manager, said he planned to skip the election and felt stuck between high rent and home prices he considered out of reach.

In nearby Allentown, tire shop worker Ramona Chery said the city's large Latino community had been shaken by Trump's immigration policies and inflation. She said there was more poverty than before.

Mike Shupp, president of the local United Auto Workers union, said he was not seeing a manufacturing boom. He said he worried that truck maker Mack would continue shifting production to Mexico.

The region's last remaining Mack plant employs about 2,800 people. The company had announced plans in April 2025 to lay off up to 350 workers at the facility, partly because of Trump's tariffs. About 170 workers were ultimately laid off, then recalled when business conditions improved.

Shawn Smith, a 52-year-old Mack technician and union representative, said he supported Brooks and believed some independents and Republicans wanted a change.