Rep. Ryan Mackenzie ahead in fundraising against 3 Democrats in Pa.'s 7th District race for Congress

Lindsay Weber, The Morning Call on Jul 16, 2025

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U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., already mounting his reelection campaign months into his first term, is leading in fundraising against three prospective Democratic opponents in the 7th Congressional District.

Mackenzie, a Republican who narrowly ousted Democrat Susan Wild from the seat representing the Lehigh Valley last year, is considered a top target for Democrats seeking to flip the seat back. Republican campaign committees, too, are expected to spend millions to retain the seat.

Three Democrats have announced campaigns for the Democratic nomination to challenge Mackenzie in the midterm election next year.

In the second quarter of 2025, Mackenzie pulled in just over $800,000 in campaign contributions, and has over $1 million in cash on hand to support his reelection efforts. According to a news release from the Mackenzie campaign, the fundraising haul is the highest in the history of his congressional campaign.

His fundraising includes around $292,210 in individual donations, $168,000 from political action committees and $339,921 from joint candidate fundraising efforts.

“From my first day in Congress, I have been dedicated to keeping my promises to the people of the Greater Lehigh Valley. On border security, tax cuts for working families and seniors, and reforming government, I’m proud to say that we have delivered. This latest report makes one thing clear: working people are standing behind the candidate who fights for them,” Mackenzie said in a written statement.

Of the three Democrats, Ryan Crosswell, a former federal prosecutor, brought in the most campaign contributions this quarter, $320,979, all of which came from individual donors. A news release from his campaign noted that he raised that amount — more than his two opponents combined — despite officially entering the congressional race just three weeks before the end of the reporting deadline, June 30.

“I am so humbled and grateful for the nationwide enthusiasm and support we have received since we launched our campaign on June 9,” Crosswell said in a written statement.

Crosswell has $66,962 on hand at the end of the reporting period.

Carol Obando-Derstine, a former PPL utilities engineer whose campaign has Wild’s backing, brought in $208,573 this quarter, including $181,773 in individual donations, $14,184 from political action committees and a $12,500 personal loan to herself. She has $85,000 on hand.

Lamont G. McClure, Northampton County’s executive who has secured dozens of endorsements from local Democrats and union groups, lagged his Democratic opponents with an $87,121 fundraising haul in the second quarter of 2025, but had the most money on hand. His total includes $67,621 in individual donations and $19,500 in political action committee contributions, and he has $92,768 in his war chest as of June 30.

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