Philadelphia voters are choosing a new member of Congress to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District. The race to succeed the long-serving Democrat has narrowed to four candidates: state Sen. Sharif Street, state Rep. Chris Rabb, Dr. Ala Stanford and attorney Shaun Griffith. All four appeared on the latest episode of the local political podcast Battleground Politics, hosted by Lauren Mayk, to discuss their campaigns and visions for the district.
The 3rd Congressional District, which covers much of West and Northwest Philadelphia along with parts of North, Center City and South Philadelphia, is one of the most reliably Democratic districts in the country. According to the Cook Political Report’s Partisan Voting Index, Democrats have performed 40 points above the national average in the district, making it one of the nation’s strongest Democratic strongholds. Democrats comprise nearly 80% of voter registrations in the area, compared to under 8% for Republicans and 11% for independents.
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans announced his retirement late last year after serving in Congress since 2016 or 2018, depending on how the district’s reconfiguration is counted. Evans previously represented the 2nd District from 2016 to 2018 before it was re-designated as the 3rd District following a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on congressional maps. In his last election in 2022, Evans won re-election with 95% of the vote. Former Vice President Kamala Harris carried the district with 88% of the vote in her 2024 presidential bid.
The district’s population exceeds 765,000 residents according to the 2020 Census, with more than 55% identifying as African American, 32% as White, 6% as Asian and 5% as Latino. Given the district’s strong Democratic lean, the winner of the May 19, 2026 Democratic primary is expected to prevail in the general election and fill the seat in the next Congress starting January 2027.
Meet the Four Democratic Candidates Seeking to Replace Dwight Evans
State Sen. Sharif Street has represented Pennsylvania’s 3rd Senatorial District since 2017 and serves as the chair of the Philadelphia Democratic Party. A lawyer by profession, Street has focused his campaign on economic opportunity, public safety and expanding access to affordable healthcare. He emphasizes his legislative experience in Harrisburg and his function on criminal justice reform as key qualifications for Congress.
State Rep. Chris Rabb has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2017, representing the 200th District in Northwest Philadelphia. Known for his progressive stance on issues ranging from criminal justice to environmental policy, Rabb has highlighted his work on legislation addressing systemic racism and his advocacy for public education funding. He positions himself as a champion for working families and marginalized communities within the district.
Dr. Ala Stanford is a pediatric surgeon and public health advocate who gained national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for founding the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, which brought testing and vaccination services to underserved communities in Philadelphia. Her campaign centers on healthcare access, maternal health outcomes and addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect Black residents in the 3rd District.
Attorney Shaun Griffith has practiced law in Philadelphia for over two decades, focusing on civil rights and social justice cases. His campaign emphasizes his legal background and experience advocating for victims of police misconduct and housing discrimination. Griffith frames his candidacy as a continuation of Evans’ legacy while bringing fresh perspectives on addressing systemic inequities through legal advocacy and community empowerment.
Key Issues Shaping the 3rd District Congressional Race
Healthcare emerges as a central theme across all four campaigns, with candidates discussing approaches to expand access, reduce costs and address persistent racial disparities in health outcomes. Dr. Stanford’s medical background gives her particular prominence on this issue, while Street highlights his work expanding Medicaid access in Pennsylvania and Rabb points to his advocacy for mental health funding.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has also surfaced as a significant topic, with candidates expressing varying perspectives on U.S. Foreign policy and humanitarian concerns. Street has advocated for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid, while Rabb has called for greater scrutiny of U.S. Military assistance to Israel. Stanford has focused on the humanitarian impact on civilians, particularly children and Griffith has emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions that prioritize human rights.
Housing affordability represents another critical concern in Philadelphia, where rising costs have displaced long-term residents. Candidates discuss strategies to increase affordable housing stock, prevent displacement and strengthen tenant protections. Rabb has highlighted his work on legislation addressing property tax reassessments that disproportionately affect long-term homeowners, while Griffith emphasizes legal strategies to combat discriminatory housing practices.
Public transportation, specifically SEPTA service improvements, features prominently in discussions about infrastructure, and accessibility. Candidates address the need for reliable, affordable transit options connecting residents to jobs, education and healthcare. Street points to his support for state funding increases for SEPTA, while Rabb advocates for expanded service frequency and improved accessibility for people with disabilities.
Immigration policy and public safety round out the key issues, with candidates discussing approaches to support immigrant communities while addressing community concerns about violence and police accountability. All candidates emphasize the district’s diversity as a strength while acknowledging the need for nuanced approaches to complex public safety challenges that respect civil liberties.
Where Voters Can Learn More About the Candidates
The Battleground Politics podcast episodes featuring each candidate are available on major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube. The show’s RSS feed also provides access to the interviews, which were recorded in April 2026 ahead of the May 19 primary.
Voters seeking official information about the election can consult the Pennsylvania Department of State’s voting information portal, which provides details on voter registration deadlines, polling locations and sample ballots. The Philadelphia City Commissioner’s office offers additional resources specific to city residents, including accessibility information for voters with disabilities.
Campaign finance information for all candidates is available through the Federal Election Commission’s database, which tracks contributions and expenditures for federal races. Nonpartisan organizations such as the Committee of Seventy in Philadelphia provide voter guides and nonpartisan analyses of the candidates’ positions on key issues affecting the district.
As the primary election approaches on May 19, 2026, voters in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District will have the opportunity to select the Democratic nominee who will likely represent them in Congress beginning in January 2027. The outcome of this race will determine who succeeds Dwight Evans in representing one of the nation’s most consistently Democratic congressional districts.