Lehigh County Controller Pinsley Joins Four-Way PA-7 Democratic Race

Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley has officially entered the crowded Democratic primary race for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, aiming to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in the 2026 election. Pinsley joins fellow Democrats Lamont McClure, Ryan Crosswell, and Carol Obando-Derstine in vying for the seat, which includes all of Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon counties plus parts of Monroe County, and is considered a key battleground for control of the U.S. House. Pinsley, a seasoned candidate with prior runs for state senate and auditor general, has drawn attention for his audits on medical child abuse reports and his role in Lehigh County's decision to stop purchasing Tesla stock due to Elon Musk's political involvement. The district has seen narrow election margins, with Mackenzie winning by about 4,000 to 5,000 votes in 2024, and has attracted high-profile campaign visits from national party leaders. Pinsley emphasizes his auditing experience and local government service as qualifications, while Mackenzie has been a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump's administration policies. The race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in Pennsylvania, reflecting the district's importance in determining House majority control.