Pennsylvania Democratic primaries set stage for House flip and Chris Rabb’s upset win

Pennsylvania held its primary elections on May 19, determining the Democratic slate for the state’s four swing U.S. House districts and the open Philadelphia seat. Governor Josh Shapiro backed the party’s preferred candidates, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee endorsed Janelle Stelson, Bob Harvie and Bob Brooks as the nominees to challenge Republican incumbents in the 10th, 12th and 7th districts.

In Philadelphia’s heavily Democratic 3rd Congressional District, state Rep. Chris Rabb secured the Democratic nomination with roughly 44 % of the vote, defeating Sharif Street and Ala Stanford. Rabb, a self‑identified Democratic Socialist, was endorsed by members of the “Squad” and numerous progressive groups, and his campaign highlighted a strong anti‑Israel stance, including support for an arms embargo. With no Republican contender, Rabb is poised to win the general election, delivering the district’s seat to a far‑left representative.

The primary outcomes position Pennsylvania as a pivotal battleground for control of the U.S. House, with Democrats hoping to flip all four contested seats and capture a majority in Congress.