What to know about Philadelphia's congressional races
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Philadelphia's two competitive congressional races are pitting incumbent Democrats against Republican challengers.
Why it matters: Winning streaks will be put to the test as Republicans seek to flip the seats and maintain control of the U.S. House.
The big picture: The Nov. 5 presidential and U.S. Senate elections are expected to boost voter turnout.
- Plus: Other statewide offices are on the ballot, including attorney general and state treasurer, as well all some state senators and all state representatives.
Meanwhile, Democrat U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans is running unopposed in Pennsylvania's 3rd District.
Who else is running?
2nd District: Brendan Boyle (D) vs. Aaron Bashir (R)
The district spans most of Northeast Philly along the Delaware River and parts of North Philly.
🔴 Aaron Bashir: After emigrating from Pakistan more than two decades ago, he's built a career as an accountant and has been involved in community activism.
- His priorities include endorsing an "America first" platform, lowering taxes, and advocating for Judeo-Christian values, like bringing the 10 Commandments back into schools, he tells Axios.
🔵 Brendan Boyle: A five-term congressman, Boyle has supported an assault weapons ban, a wealth tax, raising the federal minimum wage, and forgiving student loan debt.
- He's risen to a ranking member of Congress' powerful Budget Committee.
5th District: Mary Gay Scanlon (D) vs Alfeia Goodwin (R)
The district covers portions of South and Southwest Philly, along with portions of Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.
🔴 Alfeia Goodwin: A former Philadelphia police officer and Army veteran, she's a teacher in Chester and serves in the Army Reserves. Plus, she founded a nonprofit that builds tiny homes for homeless veterans.
- The first-time candidate is running on school choice and parental rights, as well as calls for more border security.
🔵 Mary Gay Scanlon: First elected to Congress in 2018, she's a former civil rights attorney and Wallingford-Swarthmore school board member.
- Her top issues are reproductive rights, voting rights, and juvenile justice. While in office, she's led an anti-trust effort against Big Tech companies and helped SEPTA secure an $80 million grant for low-to-no emission buses.