[VT – Philadelphia, Sept. 3, 2025] Pennsylvania State Representative Morgan B. Cephas, a Democrat from West Philadelphia, officially announced today that she will run for Congress in Philadelphia’s 3rd Congressional District. The seat will open in 2026 following the retirement of longtime U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, who has held it since 2016.
Cephas, 41, has represented her West Philly district in Harrisburg since 2016 and currently serves as chair of the Philadelphia state legislative delegation. She pointed to her personal experiences—working minimum wage jobs, struggling to buy a home, commuting long hours by bus, and witnessing gun violence in her neighborhood—as key motivators for her political work.
“Government should work for working families, and right now it’s not,” Cephas said in an interview. “I’ve taken my life experiences to Harrisburg to deliver results, and that’s what I’ll do in Congress too” .
A graduate of Millersville University and former deputy chief of staff to City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., Cephas has built her record on expanding Medicaid access for pregnant women, fighting for seniors to keep SEPTA free rides, and navigating legislative gridlock when Democrats were in the minority.
Political strategist Kellan White said Cephas is “one of the most popular and respected public officials in West Philadelphia,” noting that she brings both youth and experience to a crowded field. “At a time when people are craving change and youthfulness, she embodies that but also has the résumé to back it up” .
The Democratic primary for the 3rd District is shaping up to be highly competitive. Other declared candidates include State Sen. Sharif Street, State Rep. Chris Rabb, physician Dave Oxman, and community activist Robin Toldens, among others.
Race at a Glance
Key Factor
Details
Candidate
Morgan B. Cephas
Seat
Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District
Current Holder
Dwight Evans (retiring in 2026)
Other Democrats
Sharif Street, Chris Rabb, Dave Oxman, Robin Toldens
Background
State Rep. since 2016, chair of Philly delegation, focus on health care access, seniors’ transit, and equity
Campaign Message
“Government should work for working families” — bringing local experience and real-life perspective to Washington
With Rep. Dwight Evans stepping aside after nearly a decade in Congress, Morgan Cephas is pitching herself as the candidate who understands the struggles of working families and has a proven record of delivering results in Harrisburg. Her entry adds momentum — and competition — to one of Philadelphia’s most closely watched races ahead of the 2026 elections.
