PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — State Sen. Sharif Street officially announced on Wednesday he’s running for Congress, seeking the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, who announced his retirement Monday.
Street declared his candidacy in a one-minute video on social media, just two days after Evans announced he wouldn’t seek re-election in 2026. He touted his roots in Philadelphia and his experience as a legislator.
“I’ve taken on all those fights in the state senate, writing laws, building coalitions and working across the aisle to deliver for people,” he said.
“In Congress, I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done — making sure Philadelphia has a seat at the table and fighting for the investments we need for our schools, SEPTA, local hospitals, safe communities and the issues that affect regular folks.”
Street was born into politics, as the son of former Philadelphia Mayor John Street. He was student body president at Central High School and student senate president at Morehouse College. Now 51, Street was first elected to the state Senate in 2016, filling the seat held by retired state Sen. Shirley Kitchen. He is also chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.
Though Street is the early frontrunner, an empty congressional seat in the city is unusual and could attract a large field for the 2026 primary. An open congressional seat is a rare opportunity in Philadelphia, especially in the heavily Democratic Third District. Just two people have held the seat for the last 30 years — Evans and his predecessor Chaka Fattah.