Ala Stanford, a Philadelphia pediatric surgeon who earned a national reputation for her work in the COVID-19 pandemic, is running to replace Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) in Pennsylvania‘s 3rd Congressional District with his backing.

“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,” Stanford said on X.