Working Families Party Endorses State Rep. Chris Rabb for Congress
The Working Families Party and allied progressive groups announced their backing Thursday for State Rep. Chris Rabb in the race to replace U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans. The coalition includes Justice Democrats and other left-leaning organizations. The endorsement makes Rabb a leading choice among the city’s progressive networks.
Policy alignment and endorsements
Endorsing groups highlighted Rabb’s positions on Medicare-for-All, deeply affordable housing, and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. City Councilmember Kendra Brooks, a Working Families Party member, urged sending a progressive voice to the congressional left flank. Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke also endorsed Rabb.
Local groups supporting Rabb include the Philadelphia chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and One PA. Three South Philadelphia Democratic wards have formally backed his campaign.
Campaign context and significance
Rabb is a five-term state representative from Northwest Philadelphia. He is viewed as an anti-establishment progressive who has clashed with corporate interests.
Progressive groups like the Working Families Party and Justice Democrats can mobilize donors nationally. Their support could address Rabb’s earlier weak fundraising and reported accounting problems. It remains unclear how much each organization will spend on the race.
Primary dynamics
The May 19 primary will likely decide the seat. The 3rd Congressional District is overwhelmingly Democratic, and no Republican filed. That reality raises the stakes of intra-party spending and endorsements.
Opponents and outside spending
Ala Stanford, a pediatric surgeon and first-time candidate, has backing from 314 Action. The group announced it could spend up to $2.5 million on pro-Stanford advertising. That sum exceeds what most candidates currently hold in cash.
State Sen. Sharif Street has support from the Democratic City Committee and building trades unions. Those labor groups funded a pivotal super PAC in the 2023 mayoral race that helped the eventual winner. Street has also won endorsements from Councilmember Rue Landau and State Rep. Andre Carroll.
Historical parallels and stakes
Progressives cite a 2017 alliance that helped elect District Attorney Larry Krasner. That coalition later aided several progressive state and city officeholders. Capturing this congressional seat would represent one of the coalition’s largest local victories.
Reporting note
Filmogaz.com corrects an earlier detail. Three South Philadelphia wards, not two, have endorsed Rabb.
