Dr. Ala Stanford, one of the area’s most prominent physicians and medical health experts, announced that she is a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 3rd Congressional District in 2026.
The founder of Black Doctors Consortium, Center for Health Equity, and R.E.A.L. Concierge Medicine, made her announcement on Wednesday with the support of retiring Rep. Dwight Evans.
“Dr. Ala Stanford is a compassionate and dedicated public servant, and I am proud to endorse her campaign for Congress,” he said in a release. “Dr. Stanford was born and raised in Philadelphia, and like so many of our neighbors, she faced significant challenges growing up, but every step of the way, she overcame those challenges, succeeded through hard work, and never forgot where she came from.
“At this moment in history, Congress needs more fighters to push back against this administration, and I know Dr. Stanford is ready to represent Philadelphia and be that champion for the people of this city and the region,” he added.
“A trailblazer for both Harrisburg and Washington who always, always fought Philadelphia. I am humbled by the opportunity to succeed [Evans] and I am truly honored to have his endorsement,” Stanford said.
Stanford joins an increasingly crowded Democratic field that also includes state Reps. Chris Rabb and Morgan Cephas, along with local physician Dave Oxman.
A practicing physician for over 20 years, Stanford is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in both pediatric and adult general surgery. She gained international recognition during the Covid-19 pandemic using the infrastructure of her pediatric surgery practice to create a grassroots organization focused on education, testing, contact tracing and vaccination in communities devoid of access to care and resources.
“It’s our generation’s job to make sure there is an America of tomorrow that values democracy, free speech, voting rights, civil rights, environmental justice, and yes, healthcare for all,” she said in her campaign announcement video. “Where working people can do more than just survive. We can thrive with economic opportunity and hope for the future. Right now, that’s all under threat from Donald Trump and Republicans and Congress. Trump does more to harm us and our country.
“Philly, yes, we can fight back,” she continued. “We did it during Covid when no one else would, and we’ll do it again to save our city, our country, and our democracy.”
The 3rd Congressional District covers West and Northwest Philadelphia, North Philadelphia neighborhoods west of Broad Street like Nicetown-Tioga and Strawberry Mansion, and South Philadelphia neighborhoods including Grays Ferry, Point Breeze and Pennsport.
Steve Ulrich is the managing editor of PoliticsPA, where this article first appeared.
