Crowded Philly congressional race sees mix of big donors, self-funding, and local support

The contest to fill retiring Rep. Dwight Evans' seat has yet to attract much money from PACs or out-of-state donors, but that may change as the primary nears.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The race to fill Philadelphia's open congressional seat has seen a mix of campaign funding sources so far, with most of the money coming from individual donors, some candidates self-funding their campaigns, and limited involvement from political action committees (PACs) or out-of-state donors. State Sen. Sharif Street holds a financial advantage, but physicians Ala Stanford and David Oxman have each loaned their campaigns six-figure sums. Progressive State Rep. Chris Rabb is expected to draw donations from left-leaning groups. The race has yet to attract much money from PACs or donors outside the region, but that may change as the primary election draws nearer.

Why it matters

The crowded Democratic primary for Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, the most Democratic district in the nation, will help determine the direction of the party in the city and potentially in Congress. The ability of candidates to raise funds can be an indicator of their viability and ability to mount effective campaigns, though money is not the only factor. How the candidates fund their operations and advertising could sway voters in the primary.

The details

Most of the campaign funding so far has come from individual donors, with State Sen. Sharif Street, the son of a former mayor, holding a financial advantage over the rest of the field. The two physician candidates, Ala Stanford and David Oxman, have each dedicated six-figure loans to their own campaigns. Progressive State Rep. Chris Rabb is expected to draw donations from left-leaning groups. While the race has yet to attract much money from political action committees (PACs) or donors outside the Philadelphia region, that could change as the primary election approaches and national political figures or special-interest groups seek to influence the outcome.

  • The May 19, 2026 primary election is less than four months away.
  • Campaign finance reports cover contributions from October through December 2025.

The players

Sharif Street

State senator and son of a former Philadelphia mayor who holds a financial advantage over the rest of the field.

Ala Stanford

Physician who has loaned her campaign $250,000.

David Oxman

Physician who has loaned his campaign $175,000.

Chris Rabb

Progressive state representative expected to draw donations from left-leaning groups.

Morgan Cephas

State representative who has raised the most money from Philadelphia-based donors.

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What they’re saying

“Sharif is running to represent Philadelphians from across an incredibly diverse district, and is building the coalition needed to both win and effectively serve in Congress.”

— Anthony Campisi, Spokesperson for Sharif Street (The Inquirer)

“She has been a champion for Philadelphia in the state House, and people know that. They want to support that work.”

— Salvatore Colleluori, Campaign manager for Morgan Cephas (The Inquirer)

“When small-dollar donations are accounted for, I have more Philly donations than any of the establishment candidates.”

— Chris Rabb (The Inquirer)

What’s next

As the primary election draws nearer, national political figures and special-interest groups may get more involved in the race, potentially funneling more money into the campaigns of their preferred candidates.

The takeaway

This crowded Democratic primary will help shape the direction of the party in Philadelphia and potentially in Congress. While money is not the only factor, the ability of candidates to raise funds can be an indicator of their viability and ability to mount effective campaigns. The mix of big donors, self-funding, and local support seen so far highlights the diverse nature of the race.