2026 PRIMARY ELECTION RECOMMENDATIONS

As a partner in the Ward That Work coalition, RAD has been working to engage and educate our neighbors about the ward system and its role in building local political power. Committee person is a hyper-local position in the Democratic Party, sort of like a political block captain. Committee people get out the vote, connect residents to services, and listen to the issues affecting our neighborhood. We are working toward a more open ward system where every decision and endorsement reflects the voices of our communities. Check the Wards That Work website for a list of committee person candidates who will fight for policies that protect tenants, strengthen public schools and transit, and invest in libraries, parks, and recreation centers.

Looking for more ballot recommendations? Our friends at Reclaim Philadelphia have put together a great ballot guide!

OUR ELECTION ENDORSEMENT PROCESS

RAD will make endorsements by a vote by our members. We support candidates that align with our values of transparency, political inclusion, and progressive policies.

RAD determines which races we will prioritize for endorsements in a given electoral season. We don’t have the capacity to endorse in every race. We will consider the following factors:

  • Values: Would getting involved in this race allow RAD to further our priorities of open and democratic wards, and inclusion in the democratic process? How does this race matter for the Riverwards?
  • Impact: Would RAD’s involvement have an effect on the race? Is this race competitive at this point in the election cycle? Is this race demographically and geographically appropriate for RAD?
  • Capacity: Does RAD have time to complete a thorough endorsement process for the race? Can we commit resources to supporting the candidate if we endorse?

Race Selection:

The Endorsements Committee reviews races to determine which races RAD will endorse in, and the Executive Board makes the final decision. Any member can support the endorsement process and make recommendations about which races RAD will endorse in. Contact the Endorsements Committee to share your suggestions!

Candidate Questionnaires:

The Endorsements Committee creates a brief questionnaire for each race. Questionnaires stay consistent across all races of a similar type for the duration of the election cycle to ensure continuity and fairness to candidates.

RAD invites all Democrats in a given race to participate in our endorsement process. All candidates are asked to complete a questionnaire and meet with the Endorsements Committee to discuss their candidacy.

Endorsement Pitch / Candidates Forum:

All Democrats in a race are invited to speak to RAD’s general membership in a meeting or forum to pitch support for their candidacies. Candidates will be invited to speak for approximately 3-5 minutes and will have time to answer questions from the audience.

After the candidates have answered questions, RAD will hold a confidential discussion, without candidates and their staff. Members of the Endorsements Committee will report out from candidate interviews, and make a recommendation, if available.

Vote:

RAD members in good standing (who have paid dues at least one week prior to the meeting), and who have been to 1 meeting in the past 6 months can vote in endorsement races. You can join by paying your membership dues. If you’re a member in good standing but are unable to attend the endorsement meeting, we will have an electronic voting option. Reach out if you have questions about your membership status or voting.

If you have questions about our endorsement process, are a member that wants to get involved, or are a candidate interested in our endorsement: Email the Endorsement Committee

Guidelines for members participating in political campaigns:

RAD encourages members to participate in elections and campaigns. However, one of our core values is openness and transparency in democratic processes. To that end, we've established some guidelines for when RAD members get involved with the campaigns of candidates who have not been endorsed by the club. Click here to read the guidelines.

 

 

PREVIOUS ENDORSEMENTS

2025 Primary Election

District Attorney:

  • Larry Krasner

Court of Common Pleas:

  • Will Braveman
  • Irina Ehrlich
  • Kia Ghee
  • Mike Huff
  • Sarah Jones
  • Brian Kisielewski

Municipal Court:

  • Amanda Davidson
  • Mike Huff

2024 Primary Election

  • Joe Khan for Attorney General
  • Malcolm Kenyatta for State Representative in the 181st District

2023 General Election

City Council At-Large:

In addition to supporting Democrats up and down the ballot, RAD members voted to endorse the Working Families Party candidates.

  • Kendra Brooks
  • Nicolas O'Rourke

2023 Primary Election

Mayor of Philadelphia:

  • Helen Gym

City Council At-Large:

  • Erika Almirón
  • Katherine Gilmore Richardson
  • Rue Landau
  • Amanda McIllmurray
  • Isaiah Thomas

Learn more about why we’ve endorsed each of these candidates.