The Democratic primary in Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, which encompasses much of central urban Philadelphia, is drawing national attention as four candidates compete for a seat in the U.S. House. All four pursue a distinctly progressive agenda, focusing on expanding health care, affordable housing, and civil rights issues.
The candidates include state Representative Chris Rabb, state Senator Sharif Street, pediatric surgeon Ala Stanford, and attorney Shaun Griffith. Despite few policy differences, the race reveals fractures within the Democratic Party as they seek to unite against President Donald Trump in the 2026 midterm elections.
Pennsylvania's 3rd District is considered one of the most left-leaning in the nation, with the most recent presidential election results showing Democrats leading by more than 40 percentage points over the national average. Since 2016, Representative Dwight Evans has represented the district, but he announced in June he would not seek reelection, opening a contentious primary.
The three leading candidates are Sharif Street, Chris Rabb, and Ala Stanford. According to an April poll sponsored by 314 Action, a group supporting Stanford, she leads with 28% support, Rabb with 23%, and Street with 16%. Meanwhile, a November poll conducted by Street's camp showed him leading at 22%, Rabb at 17%, and Stanford at 11%.
Street is considered the party establishment candidate, having served as chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party from 2022 to 2025. Rabb, a democratic socialist, positions himself as a strong progressive in the mold of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Stanford, a surgeon known for public health work during the COVID-19 pandemic, is running for the first time as an outsider.
All three support progressive measures such as increasing affordable housing, expanding health care access, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, Street stands out with his close ties to party leadership, while his opponents seek to distance themselves from the establishment after the 2024 defeat.
The internal battles have been fierce. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro reportedly warned building trades unions that attacking Stanford could inadvertently help Rabb. Rabb has endorsements from Ocasio-Cortez, Representative Ilhan Omar, and Senator Chris Van Hollen. Street is backed by Philadelphia power brokers, labor unions, and Mayor Cherelle Parker. Stanford won the support of outgoing Representative Dwight Evans.
The winner of the primary is almost certain to win the November general election, as no Republican candidates have entered the race. With support evenly split, the outcome may hinge on voter turnout. Marc Stier, former director of the Pennsylvania Policy Center, said: “The winner will not have a majority; someone will win with 35 to 40 percent of the vote. Rabb expects Stanford and Street to split the moderate vote while he takes all the progressive vote.”
