District Overview
Philadelphia’s 3rd Congressional District encompasses West, South, and Center City neighborhoods, with a strong Democratic voter base. The winner of the 2026 Democratic primary will almost certainly win the general election in November 2026.
Rep. Dwight Evans is stepping down, opening a rare seat in one of the nation’s safest Democratic districts. The 2026 Democratic primary will decide who represents much of West, South, and Center City Philadelphia in Congress.
Meet the Candidates: Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District (Philadelphia)
Morgan Cephas
Current Role: State Representative, PA-192
Background: West Philadelphia native and former deputy chief of staff to City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr.
Highlights:
Legislative focus on maternal health, affordable housing, and neighborhood investment
Advocate for women’s health and Black maternal care initiatives
Seen as a bridge between local government and state leadership
Chris Rabb
Current Role: State Representative, PA-200
Background: Author, educator, and former Clinton administration staffer at the White House Conference on Small Business
Highlights:
Known for independence and progressive reform
Focuses on justice reform, climate policy, and equitable entrepreneurship
Author of Invisible Capital and longtime community advocate
Ala Stanford, MD
Current Role: Surgeon & Public Health Leader
Background: Founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium; former Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Highlights:
National voice for racial equity in medicine
Credited with vaccinating tens of thousands during the pandemic
Backed by outgoing Rep. Dwight Evans in early endorsements
Sharif Street
Current Role: State Senator, PA-3
Background: Attorney and former Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party
Highlights:
Championed cannabis reform and criminal-justice legislation
Advocates for economic mobility and educational equity
Son of former Philadelphia Mayor John Street, with deep citywide network
David Oxman, MD
Current Role: Physician
Background: Local healthcare professional and early filer for the PA-03 race
Highlights:
Focus on healthcare access and neighborhood wellness
Campaign emphasizing medical expertise and patient advocacy
Building grassroots visibility in district clinics and associations
Karl Morris
Current Role: Temple University Professor
Background: Academic and educator emphasizing technology and workforce development
Highlights:
Advocates for education innovation and tech equity
Priorities include digital literacy and small-business support
Represents a new academic voice in the field of candidates
Robin Toldens
Current Role: Civic & Former City Employee
Background: Longtime public servant with ties to community engagement programs in Philadelphia
Highlights:
Committed to expanding neighborhood services
Campaign message centers on equity, access, and local leadership
Seeks to bring constituent-level experience to federal office
Gabriel Caceres
Status: Filed candidate
Background: Early entrant into the race; limited public information available
Highlights:
Positioning himself as a community-focused candidate
Expected to emphasize grassroots organizing and public safety
Cole Carter
Status: Filed candidate
Background: Newly filed for PA-03; awaiting formal campaign rollout
Highlights:
Expected to appeal to younger, emerging voters
Platform details forthcoming
Uptown Standard 