Dr. Ala Stanford, First Black Woman Pediatric Surgeon, Runs for Congress in PA-03
Philadelphia native Dr. Ala Stanford, a physician and public health leader, has announced her candidacy for Congress in Pennsylvania's 3rd District. A trailblazer in medicine, Dr. Stanford is the first Black woman pediatric surgeon trained entirely in the United States. She joins a crowded field of Democrats, including state Sen. Sharif Street and state Reps. Chris Rabb and Morgan Cephas, for the deeply blue district's primary in 2025.
Dr. Stanford's journey to politics began in her home city, where she attended Penn State University for both her undergraduate and medical degrees. She then made history as the first Black woman pediatric surgeon trained entirely in the U.S. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Stanford demonstrated her commitment to community health by administering free COVID-19 tests and later vaccinations in communities of color.
Dr. Stanford's impact extends beyond medicine. She was appointed by President Biden as a regional director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2021. Her support base is broad, crossing multiple demographic groups, including Black men, LGBTQ+ voters, and homeowners. A recent poll showed her leading the pack with 18% support after voters were introduced to the candidates. Dr. Stanford is also endorsed by retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans.
Dr. Ala Stanford's candidacy brings her unique medical background and commitment to community health to the race for Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District. With a strong start in the polls and broad support, she aims to make history again, this time in politics.
