Former President Trump’s response to the assassination attempt against him has been praised by James Hayes, a GOP congressional candidate running in the shooter’s home district of Bethel Park. Hayes commended Trump for choosing to unify the nation by demonstrating strength and offering an inclusive message during the Republican National Convention.
Hayes, the son of a steelworker who worked for the Richmond Federal Reserve before returning to Pittsburgh, expressed disbelief that the shooter, Thomas Crooks, came from a conservative and patriotic community like Bethel Park. He mentioned that residents in the area were shocked to learn that the perpetrator was from their neighborhood.
Although Hayes did not attend the rally where the assassination attempt took place, he traveled to Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention. He highlighted Trump’s response to the incident, emphasizing that the former president’s actions reflected his desire to unite Americans rather than further divide them.
In terms of his own congressional campaign against Rep. Summer Lee, Hayes remains optimistic despite facing challenges in a predominantly blue district. He emphasized his alignment with the values of the Pittsburgh area, such as supporting law enforcement, the energy industry, and legal immigration.
Hayes also expressed his belief that Democratic voters in Pittsburgh, particularly those who hold blue-collar, working-class values, may support his candidacy. He noted that these individuals do not necessarily align with the far-left positions of the party and share many of the same values that he advocates for.
Overall, Hayes is hopeful that his campaign will appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, including Republicans, Democrats, and independents, ultimately leading him to victory in the upcoming election. By emphasizing unity and shared values, he aims to represent the diverse interests of the Pittsburgh community in Congress.