PA-03: In Philly, a 'wide-open race' to represent the nation's most Democratic congressional district
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans’ decision not to run for reelection has created a rare opening for the prized job of representing about half of Philadelphia in Congress, and spurred a lively race to succeed him.
Ahead of next May’s Democratic primary, three state legislators, a Jefferson Health doctor, a Temple University computer science professor and two other political newcomers have entered the contest, and more candidates could still jump in.
Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District covers West Philadelphia, parts of North Philadelphia, and much of Center City, and is rated the most Democratic district in the country, with a “+40 D” rating from the Cook Political Report. Its voters went 88%-11% for Kamala Harris last year and 92%-6% for Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2022.
In such a left-leaning district, the candidates are bound to have similar views and priorities, and policy differences won’t make much difference in the primary outcome, local political consultants say. Since the 3rd is clearly not a swing district, it also probably won’t attract significant spending by national political funders or interest groups that could push one candidate to the top.
https://billypenn.com/2025/09/07/dwight-evans-congress-primary-election/