Pennsylvania Firefighters Union President Retracts Claim Governor Shapiro Requested GOP Treasurer Endorsement
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Bob Brooks, a candidate for the U.S. House and president of Pennsylvania's firefighters union, has retracted his claim that Governor Josh Shapiro asked his union to endorse Republican state treasurer Stacy Garrity over Democrat Erin McClelland. Brooks stated he 'misspoke and made an inaccurate comment,' and Shapiro's spokesperson confirmed the governor did not ask for any endorsements in that race. The union's secretary-treasurer noted McClelland did not apply for their endorsement in 2024.
Facts First
- Bob Brooks retracted his claim that Governor Shapiro requested his union endorse Republican Stacy Garrity.
- Shapiro's spokesperson confirmed the governor did not ask Brooks to make any endorsements in the treasurer race.
- Erin McClelland did not apply for the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association endorsement in 2024.
- Shapiro has supported Brooks' U.S. House bid, encouraging him to run and appearing in a campaign ad.
- Polls show Shapiro holds a double-digit lead over Garrity in the gubernatorial race.
What Happened
Bob Brooks, a candidate for the U.S. House and president of Pennsylvania's firefighters union, told a group of Democratic students at Lehigh University last week that Governor Josh Shapiro requested his union back Republican state treasurer Stacy Garrity over Democratic candidate Erin McClelland in the 2024 race. Brooks stated that Shapiro's request was made because McClelland had criticized Shapiro during the summer of 2024 when he was being vetted as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris. Axios obtained a recording of Brooks' remarks and received confirmation of the comments from a person present at the meeting. Brooks has since retracted his claim, stating, 'I misspoke and made an inaccurate comment,' and asserted that the governor did not ask his union to make any endorsements. Shapiro spokesperson Manuel Bonder stated that Brooks' comment was 'inaccurate' and that the governor did not ask Brooks to make any endorsements in that race.
Why this Matters to You
As a Pennsylvania voter, this clarification may help you understand the dynamics within the state's Democratic Party and organized labor. The retraction suggests the endorsement process for the treasurer race was not influenced by the governor's personal preferences, which could affect your perception of political independence within state institutions. The underlying tensions, however, highlight how internal party criticism can create friction that may influence future endorsements and alliances.
What's Next
Shapiro's spokesperson added that the only races Shapiro is focused on are winning up and down the ballot this November. The governor's support for Brooks' U.S. House bid appears to continue, as Shapiro has already encouraged him to run and appeared in a direct-to-camera TV ad for Brooks. In the gubernatorial race, polls show Shapiro holds a double-digit lead over Garrity and possesses a massive fundraising advantage, which suggests the current controversy is unlikely to significantly alter the trajectory of that contest.