Ryan Mackenzie to join Trump in Poconos rally, touts affordability ahead of 2026 midterms

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie will join President Donald Trump during his visit to eastern Pennsylvania on Tuesday. Mackenzie said he plans to highlight the affordability issues he argues are top of mind for families across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.

Mackenzie, a Republican who represents Pennsylvania’s 7th District, said residents in the region “were among the hardest hit by inflation during the previous administration” and that many are still struggling with higher costs.

“The people of Pennsylvania were among the hardest hit by inflation during the previous administration, and many in our community are still recovering,” Mackenzie said. “That’s why I have been advocating for policies that deliver affordability throughout my time in office, and why it remains my top priority.”

Mackenzie said he plans to attend Trump’s event, which the campaign said will center on affordability and the economy. The visit comes as the campaign continues adjusting its economic message amid persistent voter concerns and polling that shows skepticism about Trump’s handling of prices.

A recent Harvard-Harris poll found that more than half of voters believe Trump is losing the fight against inflation.

Trump is expected to test that message during his rally in Mount Pocono, a key area for Republicans in Monroe County. The district’s House race next year is centered on Rep. Rob Bresnahan — considered one of Democrats’ top pickup targets — but Mackenzie’s district sits along a stretch of the broader Lehigh Valley–Poconos region where economic messaging remains pivotal.

Mackenzie has made affordability the centerpiece of his first year in Congress, beginning with his inaugural bill, the Working Families Tax Package. Key elements of the package include a higher standard deduction and a permanently increased Child Tax Credit.

Opponents argue the tax package offers minimal savings for working-class families. The proposed 0.08% state income tax cut, for example, would save a $50,000 earner about $40 a year while providing more significant tax relief to high earners and large corporations.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said Pennsylvanians are feeling the impact of these “failing” policies.

“If he comes to Pennsylvania and spews more B.S. like he did today at the White House, I think what you’re ultimately going to find are people tuning him out,” Shapiro said Monday. “Because folks can’t un-see what they see when they go to the grocery store, which is that beef and O.J. and bread and the normal staples that they need in their homes, those prices have dramatically increased on Donald Trump’s watch.”

Mackenzie disagreed and emphasized his support of the work that has been done.

“Since taking office, we have worked alongside President Trump to deliver tax relief to working families, seniors, and every American,” Mackenzie said. “This year’s tax cuts are a big step forward, but we know that more work remains.”

Many voters in the Lehigh Valley said they continue to feel squeezed by housing costs, grocery bills and childcare expenses.

Trump’s event Tuesday is expected to draw large crowds from across the Poconos and Lehigh Valley as both parties eye Pennsylvania as a crucial political battleground heading into 2026.