Pennsylvania Primary Election · Philadelphia · Election Day Tomorrow
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 · Your Ballot
Election Day is tomorrow. Every race on your ballot, in plain language — who is running, what the job does, what power it has, and what to look for when you choose.
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Your Specific Ballot · 916 S Delhi St · 19147 · Bella Vista
6 races on your ballot tomorrow
Governor
Lt. Governor
U.S. Rep · 5th District (Scanlon)
PA State Rep · 182nd (Waxman)
Ballot Q1 · Retirement Savings
Ballot Q2 · Youth Services
Not on your ballot: PA State Senate (District 1/Saval is not up until 2028) · 3rd Congressional District race (that's West/Center City — you're in the 5th). Also on your ballot: Ward Committee members — check the full PDF at vote.phila.gov for your specific division.
Pennsylvania · Statewide · 4-Year Term
Governor of Pennsylvania
Both Primaries Uncontested
What this job is
The Governor of Pennsylvania is like a CEO in that they are the chief executive of state government — not a symbolic role, but the person operationally responsible for everything that runs. Every state agency reports up to them. 80,000+ employees, $45B+ annual budget. If schools aren't funded, a bridge fails, or a public health crisis hits, the Governor is accountable.
Real power
Signs or vetoes every bill. Controls the state budget. Appoints Supreme Court justices to fill vacancies. Activates the National Guard. Issues pardons. Can declare emergencies.
Why it matters to Philadelphia
The Governor controls how much state funding Philadelphia schools receive, appoints school board members, and sets PA's stance on federal dollars for housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Questions to Ask · Add Your Take
3 community contributions · Tap to expand
+ Open
What have they actually managed?
How do they fund Philadelphia schools?
Top donors and industries?
Position on abortion access?
Gun law record?
Community contributions — sorted by concurrence
N
Checked OpenSecrets — top donor category is trial lawyers at $4.2M. That's consistent with his AG background prosecuting corporations. Worth knowing if tort reform is something you care about.
M
As someone who works in Philadelphia schools — the state funding formula has not meaningfully changed under Shapiro. The adequacy lawsuit win (2023) was a court order, not his initiative. Worth separating what he did from what the courts forced.
R
The $4.8B structural deficit is real and not discussed enough. Where does that money have to come from eventually? That question should follow every candidate conversation.
Your contribution type:
Democrat
Vote for 1
View Profile
D
Josh Shapiro
Elected Governor in November 2022 after serving as Pennsylvania Attorney General for six years. As AG, led one of the largest investigations into Catholic Church sex abuse in U.S. history, resulting in 301 clergy being identified. During his first term as Governor, has signed executive orders protecting abortion access, expanded broadband, and filed suit against multiple Trump administration policies. Will face the Republican nominee in November's general election.
Investment Secured
$31.6B
In private investment since 2023 · incl. $20B Amazon AI campus
Jobs Created
16,700+
New jobs · PA ranked #3 in nation for job growth in 2025
Regional Standing
#1 NE
Only growing economy in the Northeast · Site Selection Magazine
Critics note: labor force participation fell from 62.7% (Jan 2024) to 61.6% (Dec 2025), and the state faces a projected $4.8B structural budget deficit. Verify at pa.gov/governor and commonwealthfoundation.org.
✓ Abortion access
✓ Philly school funding
↔ Gun legislation
✓ Criminal justice reform
Top donor categories · 2022 election
Trial lawyers / legal professionals~$4.2M
Democratic PACs / party~$3.5M
Labor unions (SEIU, teachers)~$2.7M
Republican
Vote for 1
View Profile
SG
R
Stacy Garrity
U.S. Army Reserve Brigadier General and Pennsylvania's current State Treasurer, first elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. Has focused on state financial transparency and fiscal conservatism. Running on a platform of government spending reduction and border enforcement. Will face Shapiro in November's general election.
✗ Abortion access
✓ Border enforcement
↔ School funding
🗳 Your Pre-Vote · Governor of Pennsylvania
Statewide · Vote for 1 · One selection · Unselectable until polls close
Not yet selected
Pennsylvania · Statewide · 4-Year Term
Lieutenant Governor
R: Contested Primary
What this job is
Second-in-command — becomes Governor if the Governor can't serve. Also presides over the PA Senate (can cast tie-breaking votes) and chairs the Board of Pardons, which reviews clemency for people in Pennsylvania prisons.
Real power
Board of Pardons chair — direct power over who gets released or has a record cleared. Senate tie-breaking vote. Emergency management oversight. Full Governor powers if needed.
Why it matters to Philadelphia
Philadelphia has the highest incarceration rate of any large American city. The Lt. Governor chairs the board that reviews every clemency petition in PA. That's significant direct power over Philadelphians inside the state prison system.
Questions to Ask · Add Your Take
3 community contributions · Tap to expand
+ Open
Their position on clemency and second chances?
Do they align with the Governor they'd serve?
Government experience — real or just a title?
Community contributions — sorted by concurrence
N
Checked OpenSecrets — top donor category is trial lawyers at $4.2M. That's consistent with his AG background prosecuting corporations. Worth knowing if tort reform is something you care about.
M
As someone who works in Philadelphia schools — the state funding formula has not meaningfully changed under Shapiro. The adequacy lawsuit win (2023) was a court order, not his initiative. Worth separating what he did from what the courts forced.
R
The $4.8B structural deficit is real and not discussed enough. Where does that money have to come from eventually? That question should follow every candidate conversation.
Your contribution type:
DemocratVote for 1
View Profile
AD
D
Austin Davis
Elected Lt. Governor alongside Shapiro in 2022. The first Black Lt. Governor in Pennsylvania history. Former Pennsylvania House member representing McKeesport (2018–2022). His campaign focused on economic opportunity, workers' rights, and criminal justice reform. Running for re-election uncontested in the Democratic primary.
Republican · ContestedVote for 1
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JV
R
John Ventre
Former Homeland Security official, author, and conservative media figure. Running on a platform of border security, reducing government spending, and public safety. Has appeared on Fox News and conservative talk radio.
View Profile
JR
R
Jason Richey
Pittsburgh attorney who ran for Governor in 2022, competing against Doug Mastriano in the Republican primary. Positions himself as a more moderate Republican. Has focused his platform on economic development, veterans' issues, and workforce training.
🗳 Your Pre-Vote · Lieutenant Governor
Statewide race · Vote for 1 · Select one · Share your choice
Not selected
Federal · U.S. House of Representatives · 2-Year Term · Your district determines your race
U.S. Representative (Member of Congress)
3rd District: 4-Way Dem Primary
What this job is
One of 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Votes on every federal law — the budget, healthcare, immigration, military spending, foreign aid. Sits on committees that oversee specific government functions and can bring federal money back to their district.
Real power
Votes on all federal legislation. Committee work shapes which bills get a vote. Earmarks for Philadelphia projects. Oversight of federal agencies including ICE, VA, FDA, HUD. The House margin is thin — one vote matters.
Which district are you in?
2nd: NE Philadelphia + N. Philly east of Broad (Boyle, D, uncontested)
3rd: West Philly, Center City, parts of N. Philly — open seat, 4-way primary
5th: S. Philly, SW Philly portions (Scanlon, D, uncontested)
→ Find your district
3rd: West Philly, Center City, parts of N. Philly — open seat, 4-way primary
5th: S. Philly, SW Philly portions (Scanlon, D, uncontested)
→ Find your district
Questions to Ask · Add Your Take
3 community contributions · Tap to expand
+ Open
Bills passed — not just introduced?
Position on ICE and immigration enforcement?
Federal budget: Medicaid, housing vouchers, Social Security?
What committee seat do they want?
Who is funding this campaign — PACs, industries?
Palestine/Israel position?
Have they shown up in the district — town halls, community events?
Community contributions — sorted by concurrence
N
Checked OpenSecrets — top donor category is trial lawyers at $4.2M. That's consistent with his AG background prosecuting corporations. Worth knowing if tort reform is something you care about.
M
As someone who works in Philadelphia schools — the state funding formula has not meaningfully changed under Shapiro. The adequacy lawsuit win (2023) was a court order, not his initiative. Worth separating what he did from what the courts forced.
R
The $4.8B structural deficit is real and not discussed enough. Where does that money have to come from eventually? That question should follow every candidate conversation.
Your contribution type:
3rd District · Democrat · Contested · Vote for 1
Open seat — Rep. Dwight Evans retiring after 40+ years
View Profile
AS
D
Ala Stanford, MD
Pediatric surgeon who founded the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium in 2020, administering over 75,000 vaccines in Black communities across Philadelphia — often in church parking lots and neighborhood streets. A political newcomer with deep name recognition in the district. Campaign centers on healthcare access, economic opportunity, housing investment, and community-first governance. Considered a frontrunner based on endorsements and ground organization.
✓ Universal healthcare
✓ Housing investment
✓ Criminal justice reform
↔ Palestine (stated: ceasefire support)
Top donor categories
Healthcare / medical professionalsLargest
Small-dollar individual contributionsSignificant
View Profile
SS
D
Sharif Street
Pennsylvania State Senator representing parts of North Philadelphia since 2016. Son of former Philadelphia Mayor John Street. Currently serves as Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. Has built legislative experience in Harrisburg on criminal justice, education funding, and economic development. Would be leaving a safe Senate seat to pursue Congress — a significant political bet. Brings institutional knowledge and party connections.
✓ Criminal justice reform
✓ Education funding
✓ Economic development
↔ Palestine
Top donor categories
Labor unions / organized laborLargest
Democratic party organizationsSignificant
View Profile
CR
D
Chris Rabb
PA House Representative since 2017, representing Germantown and Mt. Airy. Known as one of the most progressive members of the Pennsylvania House. Has championed reproductive rights legislation, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and police accountability. Has drawn the most progressive endorsements in this race — including grassroots organizations and progressive Dems across the district. Author and professor by background.
✓ Ceasefire / Palestine
✓ Reproductive rights
✓ Police accountability
✓ Environmental justice
✓ Criminal justice reform
Top donor categories
Progressive organizations / grassrootsLargest
Small-dollar individual donorsStrong
View Profile
SG
D
Shaun Griffith
Attorney and operations manager of USA Tax Service on Ridge Avenue in Roxborough. Has worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for nearly 15 years. Philadelphia resident since 2003, originally from Western Pennsylvania. Entered the race out of alarm over what he describes as "authoritarian governance, disparagement of immigrants and minorities, and flagrant environmental degradation." The least-funded of the four candidates but brings a constituent-services perspective from years of state government work.
✓ Immigration rights
✓ Environmental protection
✓ Anti-authoritarianism
Fundraising
Least-funded of the four candidates. Primarily individual small-dollar donations. Full FEC filing at fec.gov.
3rd District · Republican · PA GOP State CommitteeUncontested
View Profile
JM
R
John Allante McAuley
Philadelphia conservative activist and founder of "Flip Philly Red," a movement aimed at building Republican support in Philadelphia. Running for PA Republican Party State Committee in the 3rd Congressional District. Has testified before Philadelphia City Council on voter ID and immigration enforcement. Frequent guest on local conservative media, including the Dom Giordano Program. Runs alongside Felice Fein for the 3rd/5th district GOP State Committee seats. Vocal Trump supporter.
2nd District · Democrat
NE Philadelphia + N. Philly east of Broad St. · Uncontested
View Profile
BB
D
Brendan Boyle
Northeast Philadelphia native and son of a SEPTA janitor. Former PA State Representative. Has served on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Known for constituent services and working-class economic advocacy. One of the House's leading voices on protecting Social Security and Medicare from cuts.
5th District · Democrat
Parts of S. Philly, SW Philly, portions of West Philly · Uncontested
View Profile
MS
D
Mary Gay Scanlon
Former civil rights attorney. Serves on the House Judiciary Committee and has been a consistent vote on gun safety legislation, voting rights protection, and expanded healthcare access. Parts of Southwest and South Philadelphia fall in this district.
5th District · Republican · PA GOP State CommitteeUncontested
View Profile
JM
R
John Allante McAuley
Philadelphia conservative activist and founder of "Flip Philly Red," a movement aimed at building Republican support in Philadelphia. Running for PA Republican Party State Committee in the 5th Congressional District. Has testified before Philadelphia City Council on voter ID and immigration enforcement. Frequent guest on local conservative media, including the Dom Giordano Program. Runs alongside Felice Fein for the 3rd/5th district GOP State Committee seats. Vocal Trump supporter.
2nd District · RepublicanUncontested
View Profile
JA
R
Jessica Arriaga
Republican candidate running in a heavily Democratic district. Will face Brendan Boyle in November's general election. Limited public profile available at time of publication.
🗳 Your Pre-Vote · U.S. Representative · 5th Congressional District
5th District covers South Philadelphia, SW Philadelphia, and Delaware County · Uncontested Democratic primary · Vote for 1
Not yet selected
Pennsylvania · 4-Year Term · 2nd, 4th, and 8th Districts on this ballot
Pennsylvania State Senator
4th and 8th: Contested
What this job is
One of 50 members of the PA Senate. Writes and votes on state laws, confirms the Governor's judicial appointments, and negotiates the annual state budget. Represents 250,000+ Pennsylvanians. 4-year terms — these choices stick.
Real power
Votes on state law. Confirms judges. Budget negotiation. Committee chairs hold concentrated power over which bills get heard. A State Senator can block or advance legislation for years.
Find your district
→ PA Legislature District Finder
2nd: NE Philly area (Tartaglione, D)
4th: NW Philly + Montgomery (Haywood vs. Cogbill)
8th: W. Philly + Delaware Co. (Williams vs. Goldsmith)
2nd: NE Philly area (Tartaglione, D)
4th: NW Philly + Montgomery (Haywood vs. Cogbill)
8th: W. Philly + Delaware Co. (Williams vs. Goldsmith)
Questions to Ask · Add Your Take
3 community contributions · Tap to expand
+ Open
Bills passed — not just introduced?
Education funding record for Philly schools?
Position on housing/tenant protections?
Attendance record in Harrisburg?
Machine-backed or independent?
Community contributions — sorted by concurrence
N
Checked OpenSecrets — top donor category is trial lawyers at $4.2M. That's consistent with his AG background prosecuting corporations. Worth knowing if tort reform is something you care about.
M
As someone who works in Philadelphia schools — the state funding formula has not meaningfully changed under Shapiro. The adequacy lawsuit win (2023) was a court order, not his initiative. Worth separating what he did from what the courts forced.
R
The $4.8B structural deficit is real and not discussed enough. Where does that money have to come from eventually? That question should follow every candidate conversation.
Your contribution type:
2nd District · Democrat · Uncontested
View Profile
CT
D
Christine M. Tartaglione
Longtime state senator representing Northeast Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Has focused on labor issues, seniors' services, and constituent advocacy. One of the more senior members of the Philadelphia Democratic delegation in Harrisburg.
4th District · Democrat · ContestedNW Philadelphia + Montgomery County · Vote for 1
View Profile
AH
D
Art Haywood
State Senator since 2014. Chairs the Health and Human Services Committee. One of Pennsylvania's leading voices on police accountability, gun violence prevention, and mental health services. Has a long legislative record to examine. Known for bipartisan work on criminal justice.
View Profile
MC
D
Mike Cogbill
Challenging incumbent Haywood in the 4th District primary. Limited public profile available at time of publication — check candidate's website and local news coverage for platform and background. Endorsed by portions of the local Democratic ward organization.
8th District · Democrat · ContestedWest Philadelphia + Delaware County · Vote for 1
View Profile
AW
D
Anthony Hardy Williams
One of Pennsylvania's most senior legislators, serving since 1998. Former candidate for Governor (2010) and Mayor of Philadelphia (2015). Strong supporter of education reform including school choice and charter schools — a significant point of contrast with the Philadelphia teachers' union. Long record to examine on FEC and PA Legislature websites.
View Profile
DG
D
David Goldsmith Jr.
Running from the Delaware County portion of this cross-county district against long-incumbent Williams. Limited public profile at time of publication. Check candidate's website and local endorsements for platform details.
Republican4th District: Todd Johnson · 170th Assembly: Martina White
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TJ
R
Todd Johnson
Republican candidate in the 4th State Senate District primary. Will face the Democratic primary winner in November's general election in a heavily Democratic district.
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PA State Senate District 1 (Nikil Saval) — Not on your ballot tomorrow
Pennsylvania state senators serve 4-year terms. District 1 (covering South Philadelphia, including your address at 916 S Delhi St) is represented by Nikil Saval — but his seat is not up for election in 2026. He was elected in 2020 and will next face voters in 2028. The senate seats on the 2026 ballot are in other Philadelphia districts (2nd, 4th, 8th). None of those are your district. The PA Senate section above is here for your reference — but you will not cast a vote for state senator tomorrow.
Pennsylvania · 2-Year Term · 20+ Philadelphia Districts — yours depends on your address
Pennsylvania State Representative
Several Contested Primaries
What this job is
Your closest link to state government — one representative per ~65,000 residents. Votes on all state laws and the budget. Their office directly helps constituents navigate state agencies: unemployment, licenses, benefits, state contracts.
Real power
Votes on state law. Democrats hold a one-seat majority — every seat is the majority. Committee work determines which bills get heard. Constituent services are immediate and direct. Your most accessible elected official.
Find your race
Your ballot depends on your exact address. → Find your sample ballot or → PA District Finder. Contested primaries include 185th, 192nd, 195th, and 200th Districts.
Questions to Ask · Add Your Take
3 community contributions · Tap to expand
+ Open
Have you ever seen them at a community event?
Attendance record in Harrisburg?
Bills they've actually passed?
Rent stabilization / tenant rights position?
Who endorsed them — civic groups or the machine?
Community contributions — sorted by concurrence
N
Checked OpenSecrets — top donor category is trial lawyers at $4.2M. That's consistent with his AG background prosecuting corporations. Worth knowing if tort reform is something you care about.
M
As someone who works in Philadelphia schools — the state funding formula has not meaningfully changed under Shapiro. The adequacy lawsuit win (2023) was a court order, not his initiative. Worth separating what he did from what the courts forced.
R
The $4.8B structural deficit is real and not discussed enough. Where does that money have to come from eventually? That question should follow every candidate conversation.
Your contribution type:
Democrat
20+ Philadelphia districts · Your district on your sample ballot
Contested Democratic Primaries to Watch
185th District
Northwest / North Philadelphia
Regina Young vs. Joe Sackor
192nd District
West Philadelphia
Morgan Cephas (incumbent) vs. D'Angelo Virgo
195th District
Southwest Philadelphia
Walker Jr. vs. Keith Harris vs. Sierra McNeil
200th District
North / West Philadelphia
Williams vs. Johnson vs. Rashad (3-way)
🗳 Your Pre-Vote · PA State Representative · 182nd District
Covers Bella Vista, Washington Square West, Society Hill, parts of South Philadelphia · Uncontested Democratic primary · Vote for 1
Not yet selected
Philadelphia Only · All Registered Voters
Ballot Questions
These appear on every Philadelphia voter's ballot — including Independents and third-party voters who can't vote on candidates. They change city law permanently. Read carefully.
Ballot Question 1
Should Philadelphia create a city-run retirement savings program for workers whose employers don't offer one?
Many Philadelphia workers — especially in service industries, gig work, and small businesses — have no employer retirement plan. This would let the city create an automatic-enrollment savings account for them. Workers could opt out, but would be enrolled by default.
Vote YES
City creates and administers the program. Certain employers required to participate. Workers get automatic retirement savings access.
Vote NO
No city program. Workers without employer-sponsored retirement benefits continue with no automatic option.
Supported by: labor unions, progressive advocacy groups. Concerns raised by: some small business groups (administrative burden). No major organized opposition.
Ballot Question 2
Should the city permanently protect the office that monitors Philadelphia's youth services programs?
Philadelphia has an oversight office that monitors child welfare, foster care, juvenile justice, and youth development programs. Right now it exists at the mayor's discretion. This question asks whether it should be written into the city charter — making it permanent and requiring a public vote to eliminate.
Vote YES
The youth services oversight office is protected by the charter. Future mayors cannot eliminate it without another public vote.
Vote NO
The office remains subject to elimination by any future mayor, including through quiet budget cuts, without a public vote.
Context: Philadelphia has faced significant scrutiny over child welfare failures. Charter protection means this office cannot be quietly eliminated under budget pressure. No significant organized opposition.
Your Polling Place · Ward 1 · Division 8 · Open Tomorrow · May 19
Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral
1000 Ellsworth St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 · 0.3 mi from 916 S Delhi St
7 AM – 8 PM
Polls open tomorrow · If you're in line by 8PM, you can vote