The race to represent University City in the House of Representatives tightened Wednesday morning as one candidate dropped out and endorsed Penn Biology professor Ala Stanford.

David Oxman announced he was discontinuing his bid in the Democratic primary race — which includes three Penn affiliates — at a joint press conference with Stanford on March 18. Stanford is running in a crowded primary field that includes 1999 University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School graduate and state Sen. Sharif Street (D-3) and state Rep. Christopher Rabb (D-200), who graduated from Penn in 2006 with a Master’s in Organizational Dynamics.

Alongside Oxman’s endorsement, Stanford approaches the May 19 primary with endorsements from incumbent U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), former U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, and 314 Action — a healthcare political action committee. 

“We are all in the same boat together, and we are putting our talents, our minds, our experiences together to bring forth the best candidate to represent Philadelphia,” Stanford said at the event.

Oxman, a doctor, attributed his endorsement to Stanford’s work following COVID-19 and her efforts to serve the Philadelphia community.

“Together we can help elect a leader that will stand up for the communities that make Philadelphia such an extraordinary city,” Oxman said. “While I’m stepping away from the campaign I am not stepping away from that work. The fight for a healthier, more just society continues.”

Street, who is the son of former Philadelphia Mayor John Street, has maintained a donation advantage in the race. According to campaign finance reporting, his team had $527,000 on hand at the start of 2026. Street received the endorsement of the Philadelphia Democratic Party, former Pa. Governor and Penn professor Ed Rendell, and several members of Philadelphia’s City Council.

Wednesday evening, after the press conference, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church hosted Stanford, Street, Rabb, and state Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-192) for a candidates forum in North Philadelphia.

Staff reporter Luke Petersen covers national politics and can be reached at petersen@thedp.com. At Penn, he studies philosophy, politics, and economics. Follow him on X @LukePetersen06.