Morgan Cephas announces candidacy for Congress, seeking to fill Dwight Evans’ seat.
State Representative Morgan Cephas, a prominent figure in West Philadelphia politics, has announced her candidacy for Congress in the 2026 election. Cephas, who has served in the Pennsylvania legislature since 2016, enters a competitive Democratic primary field alongside colleagues State Senator Sharif Street and State Representative Chris Rabb.
The 3rd Congressional District, a predominantly Democratic area encompassing half of Philadelphia, is set to be contested for the first time in over a decade following U.S. Representative Dwight Evans’s recent announcement of his upcoming retirement. Evans intends to complete his current term, which concludes in December 2026. This significant political shift has sparked considerable interest among potential candidates vying for a seat that has been a Democratic stronghold.
Cephas, who is 41 years old and served as deputy chief of staff for Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., claims to have built a robust network of supporters in West Philadelphia. Her experience includes leading members of the Philadelphia House delegation as caucus chair. Throughout her tenure, she successfully championed legislative initiatives, notably a maternal health bill that expanded Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals, even during a time when Democrats were in the minority in the Pennsylvania House.
Cephas articulated her commitment to advocating for working families, stating her desire to ensure that the government effectively serves its constituents. She emphasized her belief in the importance of regaining control of Congress to address the pressing issues facing Philadelphia residents, especially amidst ongoing negotiations over transportation funding and budgetary constraints that have adversely affected local services.
Cephas has drawn attention as the youngest candidate in this race, a characteristic noted by political strategist Kellan White, who believes her age and community ties could contribute positively to her campaign. The upcoming primary, set for May 2026, remains a critical focal point as potential candidates continue to emerge. Among them are Dave Oxman, a physician, and former Philadelphia Health and Human Services director Ala Stanford, who is reportedly contemplating a run.
Before Evans, the seat was held by Chaka Fattah, who served until 2016 and faced imprisonment following a corruption conviction. With the political landscape evolving, the Democratic primary for the 3rd Congressional District is shaping up to be a highly competitive race that reflects the desire for change and effective leadership in a key political arena.
As Philadelphia grapples with significant issues such as public transportation funding cuts and broader economic challenges, candidates like Cephas are positioning themselves to offer solutions aimed directly at the needs of their constituents. The outcome of this primary will likely have lasting implications for the city and its representation in Congress.
