Progressives and Center-Left Candidates Compete in Philadelphia House Primary

A three-way Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District will be decided on Tuesday. The race to replace retiring Rep. Dwight Evans features state Rep. Chris Rabb, Dr. Ala Stanford, and state Sen. Sharif Street. The district gave 88 percent of its vote to then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, according to analysis from the NBC News Decision Desk.

Progressives have argued that the area’s strong Democratic performance means it should send a representative who favors moving the party further left. Rabb appeared with Rep. Usamah Andrabi, a spokesperson for Justice Democrats, said a win would give progressives a foothold in the state alongside Pittsburgh-based Democratic Rep.

Summer Lee. Stanford has the endorsement of retiring Rep. Dwight Evans and support from Reps. Madeline Dean and Chrissy Houlahan. Street is backed by current Mayor Cherelle Parker, state House Speaker Joanna McClinton, Sen. Cory Booker, and several local labor unions.

The biggest tension in the race has centered on Israel, Gaza, and U.S. involvement in the Middle East. Rabb has criticized opponents for refusing to describe Israeli conduct in Gaza as a genocide. Stanford has said using the term “genocide” is hurtful to a group of people.

Street has narrowed his criticism to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and does not use the term genocide. Andrabi said Democratic voters oppose the genocide and support an arms embargo and ending funding to the Israeli military. Street has faced criticism from opponents for working with Republicans on a redistricting effort years ago.

Stanford has drawn attention for comments made in a local television interview. Rabb has generated controversy after appearing with a left-wing streamer.