Dr. Ala Stanford, a candidate for the 3rd Congressional District Democratic nomination, speaking at the West Philly forum on April 20, 2026. (Photo by Tony West)

Three candidates for the 3rd Congressional District were at the Penn Alexander School (43rd and Locust) on Monday evening to court West Philly voters. State Rep. Chris Rabb, Dr. Ala Stanford and State Sen. Sharif Street are running in the May 19 primary for the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans. They appeared in a forum sponsored by the 24th and 27th Wards.

Stanford, a physician and a political newcomer whom Evans has endorsed, was a federal Health & Human Services leader. She also led a vital city medical response during the COVID pandemic. Street, the son of  former Mayor John Street, was the Democratic state party chair before this race. He is backed by the Democratic City Committee. Rabb is a progressive firebrand who has long defied Democratic City Committee. He was endorsed by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

All three are reliable liberals in the 3rd District, which is arguably the bluest in America. Besides West Philadelphia, the 3rd takes in the Northwest along with much of Center City, North and South Philadelphia, and Southwest Philly down to 57th Street. With 30 percent of its population, West of Schuylkill is a crucial battleground in this district, which has not seen an open primary in 30 years. As Democrats are expected to take control of the House of Representatives after November, the winner will exert real national power.

A crowd of 150 packed the school cafeteria. Many attendees were fueled by opposition to the wars in the Middle East. Street and Rabb called the Israeli assault on Gaza genocide. Stanford said as a physician she calls for peace and the preservation of life for all sides.

On the home front, Rabb and Street both called for a round of impeachments in a Democratic-led House. Stanford called these efforts fruitless – but urged full Congressional power to hold HHS Sec. Robert Kennedy Jr. accountable.

The two legislators shared many goals and have worked together on several bills. But their styles were different. Rabb waxed eloquent on historic civil rights causes while Street stressed his focus is on “going to work and getting things done” with tailored specific measures and legislative savvy. For instance, to combat Black and brown economic disadvantage, Rabb vowed to attack systemic racism and to press for reparations. Street instead cited initiatives to support low-income home repairs and boost the capital-gains tax, which largely benefits the wealthy.

Stanford, who grew up in poverty, found schooling was her pathway to success. Her recipe for minority advancement favors education and small business (one of which she owns).

Where does their money come from? All were somewhat coy on this subject. Rabb said his biggest funder was “my Mommy.” Stanford cited “scientists.” Street was forthright about his major backing by a broad swath of organized labor, which he hailed as fighters for working
people.

There is always a devil legislators don’t know but must opine on regardless. AI is this year’s model. Street inveighed against “racism” in AI results. Rabb demanded a “moratorium” on data centers. Stanford advised that AI be pursued with an eye to “equity, economics and environment,” details to follow.

– Tony West

State Rep. Chris Rabb

State Sen. Sharif Street (Photos by Tony West)