2024 Primary Election

The votes are in, and we're thrilled to announce our official endorsements for the 2024 primary election: Joe Khan for Attorney General and Malcolm Kenyatta for State Representative in the 181st District.

In the race for the 181st State House, we are proud endorse Malcolm Kenyatta. Malcolm has been an unwavering progressive voice in the state house, advocating tirelessly for the working-class constituents of Philadelphia. As the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color elected to the PA General Assembly, Malcolm embodies our values of inclusivity and equality.

For Attorney General, we are proud to endorse Joe Khan. Joe's forward-thinking vision and proven track record make him the ideal candidate for this crucial role. His commitment to establishing a Housing Justice unit highlights his dedication to tackling the pressing housing crisis in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. Joe's accomplishments as Bucks County Solicitor, including significant expungement reforms and successful litigation against polluters, demonstrate his effectiveness as a leader. Moreover, his defense of voting rights in the face of challenges from the Trump administration underscores his unwavering commitment to protecting democracy.

Be sure to sign up for our email list to be notified of opportunities to help get these candidates between now and election day.

 

PREVIOUS ENDORSEMENTS

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. 

 

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.