PA Congressional Primaries Preview: PA-03

The countdown is underway to the 2024 Pennsylvania presidential primary.

In our continuing series, PoliticsPA takes a look at the Democratic contenders for the 3rd Congressional District nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives.

PHILADELPHIA County

Dwight Evans (D) vs. Tracey Gordon (D)

Evans has served in Washington since 2016 after a 35-year career representing the 203rd District in Harrisburg.

Education. Supports investing in every neighborhood school, expanding health care centers and technology in schools, funding early childhood education and afterschool enrichment efforts, including sports and arts programs.
Access to Fresh Food. His Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative has become a model for the nation. Evans wants to continue to promote local food sources, including  farm-to-school programs, urban agriculture and neighborhood gardens.
Housing. Evans promotes increasing densities in every neighborhood center, returning abandoned, vacant and eyesore properties to productive use, and striving to help struggling homeowners.
Infrastructure. A long-time supporter of urban transit, he wants to make surface streets safer, promote transit-oriented development, and make streets more bicycle-friendly.
Creating Jobs. Hopes to rebuild Main and Back streets, support small businesses from within the community, incentivize non-chain retail, deny tax breaks without job creation, and establish a living wage.

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Philadelphia
• House Assignments. House Ways and Means Committee. Serves on Subcommittee on Health, and Worker and Family Support. Member of Progressive Caucus and Congressional Black Caucus.
• Last Election (2022). Defeated Christopher Hoeppner, 95-5%, in 2022 general election.
• Quotable. “ I work for the people I represent, not the other way around. I truly believe that as an elected official my constituents want to see me govern, not grandstand.”
• Education. B.A., La Salle University
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide
• Fundraising (from 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2023)
  • Raised: $551,026.96 | Spent: $401,481.86 | Cash on Hand: $283,160.62

Gordon is the former Philadelphia Register of Wills who was turned out of office last May after losing in a primary.

Economics. Supports small businesses and equitable access to opportunities for all residents to ensure a thriving, diverse economic landscape.
Education. Aims to provide equitable access to quality education from early childhood through higher education to prepare youth for success.
Environment. Promote sustainable urban development and green initiatives to combat climate change, enhance public health and ensure a clean, sustainable environment for future generations of Philadelphians.

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Philadelphia
• Experience. Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court, Philadelphia.
• Last Election (2023). Lost to John Sabatina in the primary election.
• Quotable. “Affordable housing means dignity, opportunity, and a better future. As your rep, I’ll fight for our communities to thrive.”
• Education. B.A., Temple University
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide
• Fundraising (as of 12/31/2023)
  • Not Available

District Composition. Part of PHILADELPHIA County consisting of the CITY of Philadelphia (PART, Wards 01, 02, 03 [PART, Divisions 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20], 04, 05 [PART, Divisions 04, 18 and 19], 06, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16 [PART, Divisions 01, 02, 03, 04, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18], 17, 21, 22, 24, 26 [PART, Divisions 08, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 19, 21 and 22], 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39 [PART, Divisions 01, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37, 38, 40, 42, 43, 45 and 46], 44, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51 [PART, Divisions 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26 and 28], 52, 59 and 60).