Spring 2024 Endorsements
Dear South Philly Neighbor,
Nice to meet you! We are the Committee People of the Democratic First Ward and we believe politics should be run transparently from the bottom up to meet the real needs of our communities here in South Philly—and everywhere. Our mission is to have your voice heard at the polls.
Mark your calendars! The upcoming Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, April 23. This is an important election year, and we feel optimistic in the face of immense local, national, and global challenges. Our optimism stems from our community here in South Philly and our many victories that we have achieved together through organizing at the grassroots level. The positive impact of progressive legislation that affects our families and communities—on public schools, the climate, and workers’ rights, to name a few—depends on our continued success at the ballot box.
The candidates that we have endorsed for the Primary Election on April 23 have a proven track record of fighting for what matters to South Philly and our city as a whole. We have researched the candidates, discussed their records, and determined who will do the best job representing the people of the First Ward in all our diversity and dynamism. We recommend the following candidates:
PA State Representative
Elizabeth Fiedler
Endorsed 01/18/2024
PA State Representative: Elizabeth Fiedler has been a champion for public schools and the green transition during her tenure as State Representative. Her tireless work has helped bring back $175 million for Philadelphia school facilities—the first school building expenditure by the state in seven years. She recently sponsored and passed the Solar for Schools bill, which will reduce energy costs for schools, decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, and create good union jobs.
PA State Senate
Nikil Saval
Endorsed 01/18/2024
PA State Senate: Nikil Saval has proven to be an advocate for the working people of Pennsylvania’s First Senatorial District. His groundbreaking Whole-Home Repairs Program, which was signed into law, helps preserve homes, stabilize communities, and build out our local workforce by adding family-sustaining jobs in a fast-growing field. The cumulative effect will result in this program tackling many of the root causes of community instability by keeping people in their homes and keeping these homes safe and healthy.
US Senate
Bob Casey, Jr.
Endorsed 01/18/2024
U.S. Senate: Bob Casey is committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, eliminating age discrimination in the workplace, and ensuring Medicaid's long-term services and supports are available to all seniors who need them. Casey believes that strengthening workers’ rights and protections is essential to building a strong and inclusive economy. His proven track record on seniors issues and labor, as well as his vocal support of the Child Tax Credit, speaks for itself.
US Congress
Dwight Evans
Endorsed 03/14/2024
U.S. Congress: Dwight Evans has dedicated his life to the cause of urban renewal, fighting hunger, and working to give a voice to those who too often live in the shadows, especially poor and underserved communities. A longtime dedicated public servant, Evans has been a stalwart in Philadelphia's Black community for years and is a proud member of both the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus.
PA Attorney General
Joe Khan
Endorsed 03/14/2024
PA Attorney General: Joe Khan has stood up for abortion rights, reduced gun violence through strategic federal intervention, prosecuted sex crimes, brought corrupt politicians, cops, and lawyers to justice, helped unions provide fair pay and safer workplaces, and took on Big Pharma over the opioid epidemic. He’s running to tackle corporate greed and political corruption, keep our families safe, and build a better world for all Pennsylvanians.
PA Auditor General
Malcolm Kenyatta
Endorsed 03/14/2024
PA State Auditor General: Malcolm Kenyatta has been a State Representative for nearly five years, working to protect workers' rights, enact gun safety policies, and root out government corruption and waste. He is dedicated to rebuilding the bureau of school audits, restarting the annual compliance audits, creating the first ever Bureau of Labor and Worker Protections, and using the power of the office to take on wage theft, employee misclassification, and union busting.
PA Treasurer
‘No Endorsement’
Endorsement vote 03/14/2024
We have chosen not to endorse a candidate in this race as we feel neither is aligned with the Democratic First Ward's values.
Ballot Question
“Should the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to require the City to provide for the indemnification and defense of registered community organizations in connection with claims made against them arising directly out of their lawful participation in the City’s zoning variance process?”
Vote ‘NO’
Endorsed 03/14/2024
This election, and the General Election in November, will have a huge impact on the future of our city and the day-to-day lives of our neighbors. If you have questions, please reach out to us as your Committee People. Together we can vote for candidates who will protect our freedoms, fight for our communities, and build a future in which everyone can thrive. Remember that a powerful city is a city that votes!
Sincerely,
Your elected Committee People of the Democratic First Ward: Natasha, Roberta, Sula, Doug, Kathleen, Steve, Stefanie, Erin, Meghan, Samantha, Adams, Lori, Eric, Mary Kate, Dave, Caleb, Kelsey, Jonah, Leigh, Jennifer, Beth, Donna, Caroline, Ted, Ken, Tamesh, Katy, Sam, Kaycee, Francisco, Emiliano, Dom, Anthony, Todd, Dennis, Laura, Adrian, Rob, Dana, Rose, and Omercan