Chris Rabb won the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district on May 19 with roughly 44-45% of the vote, according to multiple sources [1, 2]. State Senator Sharif Street finished second, receiving about 29-30% of the vote, while pediatric surgeon Ala Stanford came in third with around 24% [1, 2]. The district, which covers most of Philadelphia’s urban core, is considered the bluest in the United States [1, 2].
Rabb, a progressive candidate endorsed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Justice Democrats, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also received backing from the Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America and the Working Families Party [1, 2]. He ran on platforms including universal healthcare, universal basic income, publicly owned grocery stores, and ending U.S. military aid to Israel [1]. He described the war in Gaza as a genocide and called Israel an apartheid state, pledging to sign a resolution acknowledging the Nakba [1, 2]. In victory comments, Rabb said, "I have been critiqued along this campaign for being too radical, being too bold. They ain’t seen nothing yet." He also declared, "A triumph of the many over the money. They’re going to try and tear us apart. We’re not going to let that happen. We are indomitable." [1]
Sharif Street conceded the race and acknowledged the strength of progressive mobilization behind Rabb, calling the results "a wake-up call" and urging Democrats to "reclaim their party" [1]. Street had been criticized for lacking a clear stance on Israel [1, 2]. Ala Stanford was endorsed by retiring Congressman Dwight Evans, who had also supported Street [1, 2].
The contest was widely viewed as a test of the progressive movement’s strength within the Democratic Party after setbacks in 2024 [1, 2]. With no Republican candidate entering the race, Rabb is on a near-certain path to winning the general election this fall [2]. The 3rd district gave 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris 88% of the vote, demonstrating its strong left-leaning electorate [1].
Earlier in May, Governor Josh Shapiro reportedly urged building unions to mobilize in connection with the primary race [2]. The general midterm election for the 3rd congressional district is scheduled for November 2026.
