Surgeon Ala Stanford, key figure in Philadelphia’s COVID response, announces candidacy for Congress with support from Dwight Evans.

Ala Stanford, a distinguished pediatric surgeon known for her significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, has officially announced her candidacy for Congress, garnering support from retiring U.S. Representative Dwight Evans. As she readies for a competitive primary race in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, her campaign seeks to address critical healthcare disparities in underserved communities.

Stanford’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in her experiences as a physician practicing in North Philadelphia, a region grappling with limited access to quality healthcare and educational resources. She stated that her daily encounters with individuals lacking basic health services have shaped her resolve to advocate for systemic change at the federal level.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Stanford founded the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium in 2020 to help combat the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on communities of color. By 2022, the organization had successfully served over 100,000 individuals by providing crucial testing and healthcare services.

In an effort to further her mission, Stanford established a health center in North Philadelphia, specifically targeting an area with the city’s lowest life expectancy. Her notable work in public health did not go unnoticed, as she was appointed in 2022 by President Joe Biden to serve as the regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the mid-Atlantic region.

Now, as she transitions into the political arena, Stanford aims to leverage her platform to elevate issues affecting Philadelphians in Washington. Her campaign has entered a crowded Democratic primary, where she joins three other notable candidates vying for the same seat, including State Senator Sharif Street and State Representatives Chris Rabb and Morgan Cephas.

Evans has publicly endorsed Stanford, praising her tireless efforts to ensure equitable healthcare access and her resilience amid personal challenges. Raised in Section 8 housing in Philadelphia, Stanford embodies a narrative of overcoming adversity, which resonates deeply with constituents.

In her campaign, Stanford intends to prioritize public health, an issue that has gained urgency for many American families, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. She aims to advocate for policies that bridge the healthcare divide, emphasizing that her medical background equips her with a unique perspective on health-related legislation, contrasting with the often abstract discussions of career politicians.

As Stanford campaigns to represent the 3rd District, she emphasizes the necessity of having more healthcare professionals in Congress to inform policy discussions with empirical evidence and a patient-centered approach. With her extensive background in medicine and her recent governmental experience, she is poised to become a strong contender in the upcoming primary.

The race is expected to intensify, as it is not only pivotal for Stanford’s political aspirations but also crucial for the future of healthcare advocacy in one of the most Democratic districts in Pennsylvania. With multiple candidates making their bids known, the dynamics of the primary will likely continue to evolve as voters weigh their options.