Progressive and Grassroots Politics

Progressive and grassroots politics in Philadelphia refers to the network of membership organizations, campaigns and community groups that push the city's politics to the left of its traditional Democratic establishment. Since the mid-2010s this movement has moved from protest and issue campaigns to winning elections, including at-large Council seats, the District Attorney's office and, in 2026, a congressional nomination.^[1]

1 Organizations

Reclaim Philadelphia formed after the 2016 presidential primary as a membership organization that endorses and supports candidates and issue campaigns. The Working Families Party is a minor party that runs and endorses candidates, often cross-endorsing Democrats. Philadelphia DSA is the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. Labor groups, tenant unions, immigrant-rights organizations and neighborhood groups also play a role; see Tenant and Housing Advocacy Groups and Civic and Neighborhood Associations.

2 Electoral milestones

• 2017: Larry Krasner, a former civil-rights defense lawyer backed by progressive groups, won the Democratic primary and general election for District Attorney; he won renomination and re-election in 2021 and a third term in November 2025 with about 76 percent of the vote.^[2] See Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.
• 2019: Kendra Brooks of the Working Families Party became the first third-party candidate elected to Council at large, using the minority-representation rule described in Philadelphia City Council.
• 2023: Brooks and Nicolas O'Rourke, both Working Families Party, won the two minority seats; progressive Rue Landau and others won Democratic seats. Helen Gym, a former at-large councilmember, ran for mayor and lost the Democratic primary to Cherelle Parker.
• 2026: Chris Rabb, a state representative who describes himself as a democratic socialist, won the Democratic primary for the 3rd Congressional District with about 44 percent of the vote, ahead of state Sen. Sharif Street and Dr. Ala Stanford, for the seat of retiring Rep. Dwight Evans.^[3]

3 Contesting the party machinery

Progressive groups have recruited candidates for ward committee seats and ward leader posts in order to influence endorsements, as discussed in Ward Leaders and Committeepersons and Democratic City Committee. In the 2026 cycle the Philadelphia Citizen reported that about 30 percent of Democratic ward committee seats would have new occupants. The Inquirer reported that left-leaning candidates won at least five ward leader posts in June 2026, short of what would threaten the sitting leadership, and that incumbent chair Bob Brady was re-elected unopposed.^[4] District Attorney Krasner publicly called for Brady to resign after the primary.

4 Tensions and criticism

Critics argue that some progressive proposals increase costs or pose risks for business, policing or housing supply; building-trades unions and the real estate industry have at times opposed progressive candidates (see Developers and the Real Estate Lobby and Labor and Politics in Philadelphia). Supporters respond that the movement broadens participation and responds to poverty and housing costs. The groups also differ among themselves on strategy, including whether to work through the Democratic Party or third parties.

5 How to get involved

Residents can join a membership organization, run for a committee seat or volunteer in campaigns; see Running for Office in Philadelphia and How to Organize a Block or Neighborhood Group.

See also: Philadelphia Political History, Political Parties in Philadelphia, Political Action Committees and Big Money.

References

1. Reclaim Philadelphia, website and election recaps (reclaimphiladelphia.org).
2. Northeast Times, November 6, 2025; City and State Pennsylvania, May 2025.
3. City and State Pennsylvania, "Chris Rabb wins Democratic primary for deep-blue PA-3 seat," May 2026; Ballotpedia News, May 20, 2026.
4. The Philadelphia Citizen, "Democratic committee 2026"; Philadelphia Inquirer, June 12 and June 15, 2026.