State Rep. Chris Rabb, who announced that he would not seek reelection for his state House seat while he ran for Congress in the upcoming primary, leaving the position open for potential candidates, has now endorsed Mt. Airy resident Chris Johnson.

Johnson, a Democrat, grew up in North Philadelphia and has lived in Mt. Airy for seven years. He also has endorsements from Mayor Cherelle Parker, City Councilmember Anthony Phillips, and locally from the 9th Democratic Ward, which represents Chestnut Hill and parts of Mt. Airy.

On Friday, he announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 200th Legislative District, currently held by Rabb, ahead of the May 19 primary election.

In a social media post on Monday, Rabb said, “I’m thrilled to endorse Chris Johnson to fill this seat and continue a legacy of service to these amazing communities.”

He added, “Chris Johnson is a strong progressive voice for our neighbors in Mt. Airy, West Oak Lane, Chestnut Hill, and Blue Bell Hill who will stand up for the investments our communities need. He has been a great champion for critical priorities like public education and public transit. I know Chris will serve with honor and integrity, and I am proud to endorse him.”

Johnson is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government, where he earned a master’s degree in public administration. He currently serves as the director of state and federal government relations for the School District of Philadelphia.

“One of the things that I really enjoy about the community is the great and vast diversity, the entrepreneurial spirit, the welcoming spirit that the community holds, as well as the valued public spaces, our public schools, our libraries, our recreation centers that are available to our communities... that are worth supporting, investing and fighting for,” Johnson told the Local.

“I’m running to invest in our public education system here in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania, to ensure that students and educators can work and learn in safe, vibrant, and welcoming spaces. I also want to fight to ensure that every Philadelphian and Pennsylvanian can live a life of dignity and opportunity.”

Funding education and public transit are focal points of Johnson’s platform. He lists fighting to modernize school buildings and securing funding for public transit across the state as his goals, along with investing in safer roads, bridges, and highways.

Other areas of his platform include raising the minimum wage, protecting workers’ rights, and seeking reforms to ensure “the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.”

In a press release, Parker said, “Chris Johnson understands that real progress comes from collaboration and cooperation. … His experience working for Senator Casey, Speaker McClinton, and the Philadelphia School District have shown that he knows how to bring people together to get things done, and that’s exactly the kind of leadership we need in Harrisburg. I’ve worked with leaders across this city my entire career, and I know Chris will be a strong partner in delivering real results for Philadelphia.”