AOC-backed socialist candidate Chris Rabb wins Democratic primary in Philadelphia district

Chris Rabb, a far-left Philadelphia candidate backed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has won the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District. 

The district, which covers North and West Philadelphia, is one of the most Democratic in the nation and is one of the few black-majority districts in the country. Rabb secured endorsements from several prominent left-wing figures and organizations, including members of the “Squad” such as Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Pramila Jayapal. After receiving Ocasio-Cortez’s support, Rabb said he was “honored” and called her “the standard-bearer of this generation of Congress for a reason.”

“Her vision for a multiracial working class has resonated from Queens to Philly to every part of this nation,” he said. Rabb also received the support of the left-wing Working Families Party and the Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America.

"Our coalition is people-powered, and our allies are united in our fight to demand a prosperous future for the multiracial working class families and communities who are the heart of Philly and represent our city’s incredible strength and potential," Rabb said in a statement.

Rabb received about 45 percent of the vote, defeating early favorite state Senator Sharif Street, who received less than 30 percent. Speaking after taking the stage on election night, Rabb embraced criticism from opponents who labelled him as too radical.

“I have been critiqued along this campaign for being too radical, being too bold. They ain’t seen nothing yet,” he said. “This is just the beginning because I see you. I see you. I know what we’re capable of. I see your beauty. I see your power.”