Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of the Black Doctors Consortium, announced her campaign for Congress on Oct. 1, running for Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district, which is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans. 

In June, Evans announced that he would not seek reelection in 2026. The 71-year-old Democrat’s district includes mostly the western half of Philadelphia, divided along Broad Street. He is endorsing Stanford as his replacement. 

In a press release, Evans said, “Dr. Ala Stanford is a compassionate and dedicated public servant, and I am proud to endorse her campaign for Congress. … Born and raised in Philadelphia, and like so many of our neighbors, she faced significant challenges growing up, but every step of the way, she overcame those challenges, succeeded through hard work, and never forgot where she came from.”  

He added, “At this moment in history, Congress needs more fighters to push back against this administration, and I know Dr. Stanford is ready to represent Philadelphia and be that champion for the people of this city and the region.”

Stanford was born in Germantown to a 14-year-old mother and “raised in Section 8 housing while often relying on food stamps and other support programs,” according to the press release. She has been a practicing physician for over 20 years. 

“As a doctor and a community leader in Philadelphia, I go to work every day to serve our most vulnerable neighbors and families, but we’re up against a system that simply doesn’t work for working families and people in need. That’s why I’m running for Congress, because when I see a problem in our city, I take action to fix it,” said Dr. Stanford in a press release. “The people I serve every day at 21st and Lehigh in North Philadelphia deserve so much more than the status quo. They deserve safe streets, affordable housing, good schools, jobs that pay living wages, and basic, quality health care.”

She added, “I know what it means when our supposed leaders like Donald Trump fail us. I’ve seen it, I’ve lived it, and I’ve stepped up to lead when he turned his back on our city. That’s why this campaign is about stepping up and continuing to fight for Philadelphia.”

Dr. Stanford and her family have purchased a home in Chestnut Hill and are in the process of moving in, according to her spokesperson.

Stanford joins State Rep. Chris Rabb, from Mt. Airy, State Rep. Morgan Cephas, State Sen. Sharif Street, and Dr. David Oxman in running for Evan’s seat. 

Tommy Tucker can be reached at Tommy@Chestnuthilllocal.com.