By James Williams

State Senator Sharif Street received a major boost in his campaign for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District this week with the endorsement of the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council, a coalition representing more than 30 local unions and thousands of skilled workers across the region.

The endorsement is one of the most influential labor nods of the 2025 election cycle, signaling growing support for Street among organized labor as he seeks to succeed retiring U.S. Representative Dwight Evans, who has endorsed Dr. Ala Stanford as his preferred successor.

In a statement, Street said he was honored to have the support of the Building Trades. “These are the men and women who build our city—from our schools and hospitals to the bridges and homes that keep Philly moving. I’ve always stood with labor, and I always will,” Street said.

A statement announcing the endorsement was shared on the Facebook page of Ryan Boyer, Business Manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council. The message outlined the council’s reasons for backing Street, praising his record of supporting prevailing wage laws, apprenticeship programs, and infrastructure investments that create good-paying union jobs.

“The Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council proudly endorses Senator Sharif Street for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District,” the statement read. “Senator Street comes from a legacy of service to Philadelphia—his father, former Mayor John Street, dedicated his life to this city. Following in those footsteps, Sharif is a University of Pennsylvania and Temple Law School graduate who chose public service over the big money of private practice. That decision defines who he is—a leader committed to working families and building a stronger Philadelphia.”

The statement continued, “Throughout his service in the Pennsylvania State Senate, Senator Street has been a steadfast partner to the building trades and organized labor. He fights to protect prevailing wage laws, expand apprenticeship opportunities, and ensure infrastructure investments create good-paying union jobs. He doesn’t just talk about supporting labor—he shows up, stands with us, and delivers results. Philadelphia needs a congressman who will champion working people in Washington with the same dedication Senator Street has shown in Harrisburg.”

The Building Trades Council has long been one of the most influential forces in city and state politics, known for its ability to mobilize large-scale support during elections. The organization’s involvement played a pivotal role in Mayor Cherelle Parker’s 2023 campaign, where their turnout operation and resources were widely credited with helping to secure her victory.

Political observers say the endorsement gives Street a critical advantage heading into the 2025 Democratic primary, offering organizational strength and voter mobilization that could prove decisive in a competitive race.

Street, who has represented Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania Senate since 2017 and previously chaired the state Democratic Party, has centered his campaign on job creation, economic opportunity, and support for organized labor. He is one of several Democrats vying for the nomination, including Dr. Ala Stanford and State Representative Morgan Cephas.

With months remaining before the primary, Street’s endorsement by the Building Trades adds momentum to his campaign. However, with Evans’ support behind Stanford and additional endorsements expected in the coming months, the race for Pennsylvania’s 3rd District is shaping up to be one of Philadelphia’s most closely watched contests heading into 2025.