Former Rival Endorses Penn Professor in Tight University City Race
The contest for University City’s U.S. House seat tightened Wednesday when a candidate withdrew and offered an endorsement. On March 18, Dr. David Oxman ended his Democratic primary campaign and backed Penn Biology professor Ala Stanford.
Endorsement and campaign shift
Oxman attended a joint press event with Stanford to announce his decision. He cited her pandemic response work and community service as reasons for the endorsement.
Stanford welcomed the support and framed the move as uniting local leaders. She said collaboration will strengthen the party’s chances in May.
Stanford’s supporters
Stanford has accumulated high-profile endorsements during the primary. They include U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans and former U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz.
Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and the healthcare PAC 314 Action have also backed her. Oxman’s withdrawal adds a former rival endorses element to her campaign narrative.
Primary field and fundraising
The Democratic primary remains crowded. Candidates include state Sen. Sharif Street and state Rep. Christopher Rabb.
Street graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School in 1999. Rabb holds a 2006 master’s in Organizational Dynamics from Penn.
Street has reported a fundraising lead. His campaign had about $527,000 on hand at the start of 2026.
He also holds endorsements from the Philadelphia Democratic Party. Former Pennsylvania Governor and Penn professor Ed Rendell and several city council members support him.
Candidates forum and next steps
After the March 18 announcement, a candidates forum was held in North Philadelphia. Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church hosted the event.
Stanford, Street, Rabb and state Rep. Morgan Cephas all appeared. Voters will decide the Democratic nominee on May 19.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments in the tight University City race as campaigns move toward the primary.
