My story is Philly’s story. I know what it’s like to grow up in Section 8 housing, care for family, and serve my community. My name is Dr. Ala Stanford and that’s why I’m running for Congress—to fight for every family to have a real shot, not just to get by, but to get ahead.

Now is not the time to stop fighting for the healthcare of 42 million Americans!

@StanfordForPA #DocInTheHouse

When there was no playbook, I built one. When there was darkness, I brought light. Grateful for @SenBobCasey words and leadership — and for recognizing what real experience looks like: leading when it matters most. #PA03 #LeadershipInAction #DocInTheHouse @StanfordForPA

NO KINGS. NOT HERE. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Yesterday, I spoke before 20,000+ Philadelphians at Independence Mall — the only congressional candidate invited to speak. Philly is ready to lead. Go VOTE. Go BIRDS. 🦅 #NoKings #PA03 #StanfordForCongress @StanfordForPA

Humbled to stand with 7 phenomenal women as a 2025 Distinguished Daughter of PA. Only 566 women since 1949. Thank you @GovernorShapiro & First Lady Shapiro for opening the Governor’s Residence—a symbol of healing & hope. #Leadership #Service @StanfordForPA

Dr. Ala Stanford moves back to Philadelphia as part of congressional bid https://t.co/q9KbreBuQ7 via @phillytrib #StanfordForPA

POV: “Why can’t Congress agree — and what do these healthcare cuts means for patients?” NEXUS ‘25 Nurturing, Excelling, Unifying Sisters, in Medicine Conf. #NYC #abghnexus25, #doctors #nurses #medicine #womenlead #StanfordForPA

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Now, I’m running to fight against Trump’s extreme MAGA policies. Whether it’s cuts to health care programs, or gutting funding for public transit, education, and affordable housing, Philadelphia needs a champion who will stand up for what our city deserves. Join us at

This work cannot be done alone, which is why I am also educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders at the University of Pennsylvania.

Knowing that the work didn’t stop, I founded and built the Center for Health Equity, where I still work today. We provide expert health care to Philadelphians, including in the zip code with the city’s lowest life expectancy.

During the Biden Administration, I was appointed by former President Biden to serve as the regional director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of the mid-Atlantic, where I helped advance health equity for PA and the rest of the region.

And I never forgot where I came from. When COVID hit, and our neighborhoods were left behind, I didn’t wait, I did the work. I founded the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, working directly in the community, in churches, and in rec centers with free testing, vaccines, &

I graduated from Penn State, went to med school, and became the first Black woman pediatric surgeon to be fully trained in the U.S. I have been a practicing physician for more than 20 years.

I knew I wanted to be a doctor, but life wasn’t easy. There was road block after road block. I had a mentor that taught me to put my head down and do the work. And that’s what I’ve done my entire life.

My mother was 14 when she had me. My brother and I grew up in North Philadelphia with not much. My mother was working 2-3 jobs trying to make ends meet. We learned early on about self-empowerment and how to make do.

I’m Dr. Ala Stanford, and I’m running for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 3rd district –

My story isn’t unique—and that’s the point. Like so many in Philly, I’ve faced real challenges. I’m running for Congress to turn those shared experiences into real change—for every family, every block, every future. https://t.co/uinbAbLE9j

Change doesn’t happen alone, and we need to show strength from day one. If you can chip in even $5, it will make a huge difference. https://t.co/aBp7LhsJIA