Chris Rabb wins Democratic primary to replace Dwight Evans in Congress
State Rep. Chris Rabb won the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, positioning himself to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans in the general election. The post Chris Rabb wins Democratic primary to replace Dwight Evans in Congress appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
Black News 
By Chicago Tribune Staff
State Rep. Chris Rabb, a five-term representative of Mount Airy’s 200th House District, survived a hotly contested primary election on May 19 to capture the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District and positioning himself to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans in November’s general election.
Rabb won with 44 percent, or 60,332 votes to finish ahead of state Sen. Sharif Street with 29.5 percent, or 40,366; Dr. Ala Stanford 24 percent or 32,940, and attorney Shaun Griffith with 2 percent or 2,880 votes.
“There were moments on the journey where I was reminded that tough times pass but tough people last,” Rabb told a raucous watch party at Victorian Banquet Hall on Germantown Ave. on May 19 night “In this race I was walking in my purpose and the purpose was much bigger the position. Positions come and go.”
Rabb’s victory followed a crowded field that began with 13 candidates, dropped to nine after March, and ultimately narrowed to three main contenders.
Rabb took a political risk by opting not to seek reelection to his state House seat in order to run for Congress.
Early polling last year showed Stanford, who had secured Evans’ backing, leading the race. But her support appeared to wane over time as controversy grew around allegations involving financial support for her campaign. Street, widely viewed as the “established” candidate, also polled ahead of Rabb at the start but was unable to pull it out.
Still, Rabb leaned into his legislative record, highlighting his reputation as an advocate for working residents, schools and government reform. In Harrisburg, he built a record of passing bipartisan legislation and working across the aisle.
On Election Day, supporters cited a mix of factors — experience, accessibility, independence and vision — in their decisions to vote for Rabb.
“I was torn between Street and Rabb, but chose Rabb. He seems like he will be more vocal than Evans. A fighter,” said Roselle Plumber at the Salvation Army polling site at 55th and Arch streets in West Philadelphia.
In Mount Airy, where Rabb has long represented residents, voters pointed to his performance and visibility in the district. “I have always liked the way that he’s performed,” said Kaitlyn Whalen, voting at Eleanor C. Emlen School on May 19. “I felt like he never let me down and I’m excited to see what energy he brings forward.”
Alyssa Thompson, also voting in Mount Airy, said Rabb’s consistent presence mattered. “He’s been the one who’s been there the most,” Thompson said.
Diana Berger, casting her ballot at Hill-Freedman World Academy, recalled a personal interaction that stuck with her for years. “When he first ran in 2016, he came to my house, spent time talking to me and my daughter and listening to our questions,” Berger said. “Ever since, he still canvasses and he remembers, and he’s doing a good job.”
Rabb is son of the late Madeline Rabb Johnson and uncle to AFRO Board Member Claye Murphy. He is the great, great grandson of AFRO Founder John H.Murphy, Sr. and nephew of well-known Baltimore attorney William (Billy) Murphy and AFRO Board Member Laura Murphy.
Marco Cerino, Sharyn Flanagan, Sherry Stone, Kylan Watson and Johann Calhoun contributed to this report.
The post Chris Rabb wins Democratic primary to replace Dwight Evans in Congress appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
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