Ala Stanford, a Philadelphia pediatric surgeon who earned a national reputation for her work in the COVID-19 pandemic, is running to replace Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) in Pennsylvania‘s 3rd Congressional District with his backing.
“My story is Philly’s story. I know what it’s like to grow up in Section 8 housing, care for family, and serve my community. My name is Dr. Ala Stanford and that’s why I’m running for Congress—to fight for every family to have a real shot, not just to get by, but to get ahead,” Stanford said on X.
Recommended Stories
- Cawthorn announces run for Florida House seat to be vacated by Donalds
- James Talarico raises over $6 million less than a month into Texas Senate run
- DNC chairman voices confidence in Democrats regaining power
Stanford is joining a crowded primary for the heavily blue district spanning from much of Center City to West Philadelphia and north toward Cheltenham. There are seven other declared Democratic candidates running to replace Evans, according to Federal Election Commission data, but Stanford holds the coveted endorsement of the representative who has been in office since 2016. Evans announced his retirement in June, with the intent to serve out his full term.
“Like so many of our neighbors, she faced significant challenges growing up, but every step of the way, she overcame those challenges, succeeded through hard work, and never forgot where she came from,” Evans said in a statement to the Philadelphia Inquirer, which reported Stanford’s announcement.
“At this moment in history, Congress needs more fighters to push back against this administration, and I know Dr. Stanford is ready to represent Philadelphia and be that champion for the people of this city and the region,” Evans added.
Stanford is the first black female pediatric surgeon fully trained in the United States. She took a hiatus from her career when the pandemic hit to found the Black Doctors Consortium. The consortium tested and vaccinated underserved and minority Philadelphia communities struggling during COVID-19. It “seeks to address health disparities and promote health equity,” according to her website.
President Joe Biden appointed Stanford as the mid-Atlantic regional director of the Department of Health and Human Services. She also founded a Philadelphia-based Center for Health Equity.
“It’s our generation’s job to make sure there is an America of tomorrow that values democracy, free speech, voting rights, civil rights, environmental justice, and, yes, healthcare for all,” Stanford said in her announcement video.
Stanford is running against other notable Pennsylvania Democrats, such as state Sen. Sharif Street, who stepped down as the head of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party to run for Congress, and state Reps. Chris Rabb and Morgan Cephas.
CAWTHORN ANNOUNCES RUN FOR FLORIDA HOUSE SEAT TO BE VACATED BY DONALDS
The primary election date has not been announced yet, but the general election for the district will be held on Nov. 3, 2026. Evans ran uncontested on the 2024 general ballot, and no Republican ran in the 2022 primary against him, as he was instead challenged by Socialist Workers Party candidate Christopher Hoeppner, who won 4.9% of the vote.
The last Republican to run in the district was Michael Harvey, who won 9% of the vote in 2020.