By James Williams | Special to The Uptown Standard

As a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District and someone who’s worked inside the engine of Philadelphia politics, I can say with full confidence: the race to replace Congressman Dwight Evans—preceded by the legendary Chaka Fattah—is shaping up to be one of the most defining primaries in years.

This isn’t just a race for a seat. It’s a race for the direction of Philly’s Democratic machine—and for the city’s continued ability to deliver results in Washington.


The Legacy That Looms

Chaka Fattah left a complicated but powerful legacy. As the architect of the GEAR UP college readiness program and a champion for urban investment, he understood Congress and used his position to bring transformative federal dollars to underserved communities. His career ended in controversy, but his policy wins remain woven into Philadelphia’s infrastructure.

Dwight Evans brought steadiness to the seat. A quiet power broker with deep knowledge of appropriations, he fought for public safety, food access, education funding, and economic growth. His calm presence ensured Philly had a consistent voice in the halls of power.

Now, with the seat open, the political landscape is shifting—and fast.

A Growing Field of Contenders

While the early spotlight is on State Rep. Chris Rabb, State Senator Sharif Street, and Dr. Dave Oxman, the field may soon expand.

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, Chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, is weighing a run. Cephas brings credibility on maternal health and Black women’s economic issues, along with a loyal West Philly base and ties to influential allies across the city.

And State Rep. Amen Brown is also generating buzz. Brown, known for his Breezy Mart initiative and expansive food distribution efforts, now provides over 300,000 pounds of food each week to residents across the city. His hands-on leadership style and focus on food security and public safety could shake up the race.

Chris Rabb: The Progressive Firebrand with a Record

Chris Rabb, who represents Northwest Philly’s 200th District, is considered the leading progressive voice in city politics. He’s fought for fair education funding, police accountability, climate justice, and racial equity. Rabb famously won his seat by defeating an establishment-backed candidate from the powerful Northwest Coalition—and has beat every challenger since.

A founding member of the PA Climate Caucus and an advocate for reparative justice, Rabb doesn’t shy from fights. He rejects corporate PAC money and calls for movement-driven politics. Whether you agree with him or not, few question his commitment, consistency, and independence.

Sharif Street: The Party Chair with Power and Reach

Senator Sharif Street, son of former Mayor John Street, brings political lineage, labor backing, and establishment muscle. As Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and a sitting State Senator, Street has worked to unify party factions while supporting policies focused on public safety, SEPTA, and affordable housing.

Street recently announced endorsements from 10 labor unions, including Sprinkler Fitters Local 692, Steamfitters Local 420, and unions representing nurses, plumbers, longshoremen, stagehands, and more. Eight are affiliates of the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council—a major signal of establishment support.

Supporters see Street as pragmatic and steady. Critics argue he represents the political status quo at a time when many voters are calling for change.

Dr. Dave Oxman: The Outsider with a Prescription for Reform

Dr. Dave Oxman, an intensive care physician at Jefferson, is running as an outsider with deep neighborhood roots and a sharp critique of the healthcare system. Born in Mt. Airy and trained at Temple Medical School, Oxman has spent the last decade treating critically ill patients and organizing doctors against gun violence.

He’s raised nearly $300,000 and refuses to accept money from health insurance or pharmaceutical PACs. His plan? Universal public insurance, full prescription price negotiation, and no-nonsense reform of the medical industry.

Oxman may lack political experience, but his message is resonating among voters tired of insiders. He’s betting that substance, not status, will carry him to Congress.

Final Thoughts: Establishment vs. Energy

As someone who managed the 2014 campaign of Armond James—a centrist Republican who earned the Inquirer’s endorsement against Fattah—I know firsthand how tough it is to compete in this district. The local GOP is a shadow of its former self. Any candidate they run will likely be symbolic.

That’s why the Democratic primary is the real battleground. Street has the unions and the institutional power. Rabb has the grassroots fire and progressive base. Oxman brings an outsider’s clarity. And if Cephas or Brown enters officially, the race could quickly become a five-way brawl.

What’s clear is this: the fight to replace Dwight Evans is more than a handoff. It’s a showdown between generations, ideologies, and visions for the future of Philadelphia’s voice in Washington.


James Williams is Editor-in-Chief of The Uptown Standard and a longtime political strategist, organizer, and resident of Northwest Philadelphia.