ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE MAY 19, 2026 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

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GOVERNOR: JOSH SHAPIRO

LT. GOVERNOR: AUSTIN DAVIS

U.S. CONGRESS: DR. ALA STANFORD

  • About Dr. Ala Stanford: Dr. Ala Stanford is a pediatric surgeon, public health leader, and first-time candidate with a strong record of service to Philadelphia communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded the Black Doctors Consortium, delivering testing and vaccines to thousands of residents who otherwise lacked access. She later served as Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden and continues to lead efforts to expand healthcare access in North Philadelphia communities.

  • Why we endorsed: We endorsed Dr. Stanford because she has demonstrated the ability to bring people together to solve urgent problems. Her leadership during the pandemic showed strong collaboration, decisive action, and a deep commitment to equity. While new to legislative office, she has relevant government experience, strong relationships with elected officials, and a results-driven approach to deliver meaningful resources for our communities.

PA HOUSE 181: MALCOLM KENYATTA

PA HOUSE 195: SIERRA MCNEIL

  • About Sierra McNeil: Sierra McNeill is a social worker, educator, and proud Strawberry Mansion resident running for State Representative in Philadelphia’s 195th District. She has spent her career helping families navigate complex systems, advocating for students, and working to ensure neighborhoods receive the resources they deserve. Her work has focused on addressing systemic barriers and expanding opportunity for working families.

  • Why we endorsed: We endorsed Sierra McNeil because she is already doing the work to understand the real needs and priorities of people in the district. Her background in social work gives her firsthand insight into how systems affect families, and her experience working with public programs equips her to navigate funding and oversight processes. She brings both compassion and practical know-how to secure resources for the district and Philadelphia as a whole.

DEM. STATE COMMITTEE: DUSTIN DOVE, SHERITA GLENN, KEIR BRADFORD-GREY, SHARON VAUGHN

  • What this position does:
     Democratic State Committee members represent their local ward within the Democratic Party. They help shape party priorities, endorse candidates, support voter outreach, and strengthen local party organization.

  • Why this matters: State Committee members play a key role in building the local Democratic Party, supporting candidates, and ensuring the party reflects the needs and priorities of the community.

BALLOT QUESTIONS: YES TO BOTH

Ballot Question #1: Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board

  • What this question does: This question asks whether to create a Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board to oversee a retirement savings program for workers whose employers do not offer a plan.

  • Why we support a YES vote: We support a YES vote because this program would help more residents—especially those working for small businesses—build retirement savings and be better prepared financially in older age.

  • What a “Yes” vote means:
     A “Yes” vote creates the Retirement Savings Board and allows the City to establish the “Philly Saves” program, which would automatically set up retirement accounts for workers who do not have access to plans through their employer.

  • What a “No” vote means: A “No” vote keeps the current system and does not create the board or retirement savings program.

Ballot Question #2: Office of the Youth Ombudsperson

  • What this question does: This question asks whether to make the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson a permanent part of City government. The office monitors the safety and quality of services for youth in residential placement facilities.

  • What a “Yes” vote means: A “Yes” vote makes the Youth Ombudsperson Office permanent and allows City Council to expand its powers and duties over time.

  • What a “No” vote means: A “No” vote keeps the office outside the City Charter, meaning it would remain temporary and could be eliminated by a future mayor.