Pennsylvania State Representative Morgan Cephas running for Congress

(WHTM) – Pennsylvania State Representative Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) has filed to run for Congress.

Cephas is now the seventh Democrat to file for the seat being vacated by retiring Congressman Dwight Evans (D) in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District.

Cephas was first elected to the State House in 2016 and has passed legislation focusing on healthcare and public safety. Prior to serving in elected office, she earned a degree in political science from the University of Virginia and worked for Philadelphia City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr.

During the 2023-24 session, Cephas was elected to serve as Chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation.

The 3rd District seat is setting up to be one of the most competitive primaries in the state next spring.

State Senator Sharif Street, who recently stepped down as Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, and State Representative Christopher Rabb both announced their candidacies in July.

Temple University educator Karl Morris, intensive care physician David Oxman, former government employee Robin Toldens, and Gabriel Caceres have also filed to run for Evans’ seat.

Evans, 71, ran unopposed in 2024 and received at least 90% of the vote in his previous four elections. Evans, who suffered a stroke last year, announced his retirement in June after serving nearly 10 years in Congress.

No Republicans have filed to run in the 3rd District at this time.