Leaked Video Shows Democrats Coaching Buttigieg, Brooks on 2026 Strategy in Pennsylvania

Democrats campaigning in Pennsylvania accidentally posted a video online that offers a glimpse into their 2026 midterm strategy and efforts to seem more authentic while regaining voters who felt left behind.

Fox News Digital viewed the previously unreported clip, which captures Democratic Pennsylvania candidate Bob Brooks talking with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg could not recall the district number where they were campaigning. An off-screen staffer coached the pair to stay on message.

"Think about your audience," the staffer said. "Why is this race so important? We need to win the House [of Representatives] — all of that. Winning over people who feel like they’re left behind by the party, flipping the district; all of that I think is really strong, showing up for working people, affordability."

The video, recorded by Democratic campaign group The Bench, shows the party's push to stress affordability and connect with everyday voters after losing support in the 2024 election.

"We are going to have a really normal conversation with three cameras pointing at you," the staffer joked.

"Everybody act normal," Buttigieg replied with a chuckle.

"—And remind me the district number we’re in?" he asked the staffer before they started.

The staffer also advised Buttigieg and Brooks on using a pair of beer cans as props.

Brooks faces a tight four-way primary next week to challenge Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race a toss-up, one of 18 seats with that label this year.

Brooks has won backing from Buttigieg, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Gov. Josh Shapiro. His past as a firefighter helped secure support from The Bench, which works as an arm of the Democratic National Committee.

The group seeks community-rooted, values-driven candidates ready to reach voters across party lines. It also backs Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, Michigan Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow and Iowa House candidate Sarah Trone Garriott.

Despite the coaching, the staffer promised to keep direction light. "Bob, feel free to prompt Pete with a question: why this race, why here in the Lehigh Valley and we will interject if needed to do a little directing but we’re going to be mostly hands off," the staffer told Brooks.