Climate Is on the Ballot in PA-3 This May
On May 19, 2026, an opportunity to Vote for the Planet is coming soon to the Third Congressional District, which encompasses Northwest Philadelphia, some of downtown and west Philly.
This is a very important primary where the incumbent Congressperson, Dwight Evans, is retiring. There are 13 candidates on the ballot, but polls show that three candidates – Chris Rabb, Ala Stanford, and Sharif Street --have the best chances of winning. These three will appear in a debate at WHYY on Wednesday, April 29 at noon.
Sharif Street has the broad support of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and is Chair of Democratic Party in Pennsylvania. He is the son of former Mayor John Street and nephew of Milton Street (who was convicted of tax offenses and served jail time). Our concerns with Sharif Street: (1) the Democratic Party in Philadelphia, which Street leads, has failed in the past to get out the vote. This has an important role in Pennsylvania’s status as a purple state, rather than a solidly Democratic one; and (2) he has not been an articulate speaker and (3) he does not have a strong position on the environment.
Ala Stanford has the endorsement of the current Congressperson, Dwight Evans. She is a health activist and led Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, working directly in the community, in churches, and in recreation centers with free testing, vaccines, and compassion. As a result, in the era of Robert Kennedy Jr and MAHA, many people may want to support her. Her main downsides are that she has no track record of government service - particularly with legislative politics - and no platform on the environment.
Chris Rabb is a strong, progressive current member of the PA House, with 10 years’ service. He has been able to move legislation into law and is active on the environment as well as other progressive issues. The turnout in his elections is the highest in Pennsylvania as he actively engages with the community and community organizations in events. He has the support of the Working Families Party, which has done great work in the Philadelphia City Council. The Community Net-Zero Education Project appreciates Rep. Rabb’s support--we participate regularly in Grown Folks Day, an annual event that he sponsors to bring social services, education, food, and fun to seniors in his District.
Chris Rabb’s environmental record is impressive. He is a founding member of the PA Climate Caucus and in 2019 won the Rising Environmental Leader award. He supports clean energy and environmental justice. He has introduced legislation addressing greenwashing, and advocates for a halt to data center expansion. He introduced a bill to transition Pennsylvania to 100% renewable energy by 2050.
For voters prioritizing climate policy, this primary election presents a meaningful choice. Leadership on environmental issues is not evenly distributed across the field—and May 19 is a chance to make that difference count. The Third Congressional District is the bluest in the nation, with the Cook Political Report giving it a Dem +40 rating, so the primary will determine the Congressperson. The GOP has not nominated a single candidate. The candidate that emerges from this primary is likely to be representing the District for many years. This is why it’s especially important that if you live in the 3rd Congressional District that you vote in the primary on May 19. Your vote is your voice.
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