Voters across the city are heading to the polls on May 19 for the Pennsylvania primary election. Only registered Democrats and Republicans can cast ballots for their respective party’s nominees. However, these choices will set the stage for crucial matchups in the November general election.

Here are the key candidates that West Philly voters are watching closely on the ballot:

The 3rd Congressional District race

Because the 3rd District spans all of West and Southwest Philadelphia, the primary to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans is the most consequential race on the ballot. Since this is one of the most heavily Democratic districts in the country, the winner of this primary is virtually guaranteed the seat in November.

The frontrunners in this race are:

• State Rep. Chris Rabb: Running as a progressive reformer, Rabb is heavily backed by grassroots organizations, the Working Families Party, and the Democratic Socialists of America. For West Philly residents focused on systemic issues, he is campaigning heavily on environmental justice, expanding affordable housing, and universal healthcare.

• Dr. Ala Stanford: Best known locally as the founder of the Black Doctors Consortium, which brought mobile COVID-19 testing and vaccinations directly into neighborhood hubs. Officially endorsed by Dwight Evans and former Mayor Michael Nutter, she is appealing to voters looking for a proven, health-equity-focused outsider.

• State Sen. Sharif Street: Bringing deep institutional ties as the current state senator and former PA Democratic Party chair, Street is backed by Mayor Cherelle Parker and major labor unions. His platform emphasizes traditional economic development, securing mass transit funding for SEPTA, and bringing federal infrastructure dollars into local public schools.

Pennsylvania State Senate (8th District)

• Anthony Hardy Williams (Incumbent): Senator Williams has long represented the 8th District, which covers a massive portion of Southwest Philadelphia and parts of West Philly. He is a prominent voice in Harrisburg on criminal justice reform, community economic investments, and education. He faces a primary challenge from David Goldsmith Jr., a real estate agent and community advocate.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Rick Krajewski (188th District – Incumbent) and Amen Brown (10th District – Incumbent) are running unopposed.

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Polls are open on Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Please note that dropping your mail-in ballot in the mail now is too late (it must be physically received by the county election office by 8 p.m. on Primary Day), so make sure to use an official county drop box.

Check your voter registration status and polling place here.