Reclaim Philadelphia's 2024 General Election Ballot Guide
Scroll down to read full analysis behind Reclaim Philadelphia’s Endorsement and Recommendations for the Tuesday November 5, 2024 General Election
RECLAIM MEMBERSHIP ENDORSEMENTS
PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT
Kamala Harris & Tim Walz (101)
In the democratic primary election, Reclaim’s Citywide Committee recommended a write-in for “Uncommitted” in solidarity with the Uncommitted National Movement and the Palestinian people. Over 60,000 Pennsylvanians wrote in uncommitted, paving the way and increasing pressure on President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Then, Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris’ pick of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was a step in the right direction, known for passing progressive legislation. Under Walz, the democratic agenda is truly expansive: free school lunches for kids, codifying the right to abortion and gender affirming care, converting power plants to 100% clean energy, paid family and medical leave, legalizing recreational marijuana, and universal background checks for gun purchases. It’s clear from the responses in our Presidential member survey that picking Walz has excited our base, and gives us a target for what we want to see in PA.
During the Democratic National Convention, Reclaim joined the Not Another Bomb Coalition to demand that Harris and the Democratic Party call for an arms embargo on Israel’s government and end the genocide of Palestinians. While we are disappointed in the campaign’s response, Harris’s current platform includes Supreme Court reform, expanded Child Tax Credits, child and elderly care, increases on corporate taxes, and climate change preparation, which are all policies that will benefit the multiracial Philadelphian working class. At the same time, we are faced with the violent threat of Trump’s authoritarian movement. If Trump should win that would mean losing progress on addressing income inequality, would drive up healthcare costs, and pose a dire threat to the surge of new workplace union organizing and militant strike tactics that are raising the standard of living for many workers in the US. We must stop the racist, sexist MAGA movement from ever winning the presidency again.
A Trump victory would force our movement in Philly back into defensive action for another four years. Instead, we must focus on building out the progressive infrastructure we need to win what we all deserve, like homes for all and a Green New Deal. Our focus must continue to be on winning policies that make real improvements in our lives, and win bigger next time. We are not done holding the Biden administration accountable and a Harris administration won’t be the end of our struggle either; but we must ensure we have the best opportunities for our collective liberation by blocking Trump on November 5th. Reclaim Philadelphia’s members endorse Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for the presidential ticket.
AUDITOR GENERAL
Malcolm Kenyatta (103)
Malcolm Kenyatta has been building a broad coalition of statewide support since his run for US Senator. He is the first openly gay Black candidate to receive support from a political party for statewide office in Pennsylvania, and if elected would continue to make history. Malcolm has made the commitment to use the auditing powers of this office to give our movements empirical research that we can use to organize. These audits could be used to defend our democracy, expand funding for Nikil Saval’s Whole Home Repairs program, and get the public schools equitable funding in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth. He’s also committed to making a Bureau of labor protections to support workers who’ve had their labor laws violated. Malcom Kenyatta is the best candidate to win the primary as well as defeat Jeffrey Yass funded election denier Tim Defoor in the general election. Reclaim Philadelphia's members endorse Malcolm Kenyatta for Auditor General.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Eugene Depasquale (104)
Eugene DePasquale is a Pittsburgh native, former state legislator, and two-term auditor general. As auditor general, Eugene DePasquale fought for survivors of sexual abuse and his audits led to a 90% reduction in backlogged rape kits awaiting testing in the state. His father was a Vietnam veteran who became addicted to painkillers and landed in prison. He watched as insurance companies denied his brother coverage and he died at the young age of 20 from muscular dystrophy. Eugene shared thoughtful and powerful responses to our candidate questionnaire, in our candidate interview, and to member submitted questions at our in-person Citywide event in February. If elected in November, we know he will bring an empathetic lens to this office due to the stories he’s shared about his family's struggles with healthcare, substance abuse disorder, and incarceration. Reclaim Philadelphia’s members strongly endorse Eugene DePasquale for Attorney General.
STATE TREASURER
Erin McClelland (105)
Erin McClelland is a Western Pennsylvania native, former substance abuse counselor, small business owner, and a previous congressional candidate. She surprised many when she won the primary against a party backed candidate who had outraised her significantly. She comes from four generations of organized labor and spoke powerfully about standing in solidarity with workers at our Citywide event in February. At that event she also made a commitment to divesting the money that comes out of the pensions of teachers, state and municipal workers in Pennsylvania from funding the genocide in Palestine. Because of her expansive view on how to use this role, Reclaim Philadelphia’s members endorse Erin McClelland for State Treasurer.
SENATOR IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
1st District - Nikil Saval (107)
As a founding member of Reclaim Philadelphia, Nikil Saval was instrumental in shaping the vision and values of our organization. When he ran and won alongside Reclaim leader Rick Krajewski in 2020, it was a one-two punch win for our movement and our organization. While serving in the State Senate, Nikil introduced housing justice legislation known as Whole Home Repairs with bipartisan support. This legislation has garnered nationwide recognition including from the White House and Pennsylvanians have been lining up to receive this support. In this year’s Pennsylvania budget, Governor Shaprio committed $50 million to this transformative legislation. Nikil is a proven leader and always steadfast in his commitment to our organization and its values. Reclaim Philadelphia's members endorse Nikil Saval.
REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
181st District - Malcolm Kenyatta (108)
When Malcolm Kenyatta first won this seat for State Representative in 2018, he was the first openly gay person of color to join the Pennsylvania General Assembly and one of the youngest. In this past primary, the Citywide Committee focused our member endorsement votes on his campaign for Auditor General. Malcolm has since successfully won his primary for Auditor General, making history as the first Black gay man to win a major party nomination for statewide office in Pennsylvania! We know he has what it takes to win statewide in November, but we also want to make our membership support for him for State Representative more explicit. Reclaim Philadelphia’s members endorse Malcolm Kenyatta for re-election as State Representative.
REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
184th District - Elizabeth Fiedler (108)
Reclaim Philadelphia supported Elizabeth Fiedler for State Representative in 2018 in her first successful race for this seat. Our members have consistently endorsed her because she has proven herself to be a movement champion. In this year’s race, she is unopposed. In the state house delegation, she’s on the leadership board of the Progressive Caucus as well as the Blue/Green Caucus where she is making sure that labor and environmental groups are in conversation to deliver for our communities. It’s from the Blue/Green Caucus that she got the idea for her transformative Solar for Schools program, which funds solar energy projects at public k-12 schools, community colleges, and career technical schools across Pennsylvania. Reclaim Philadelphia’s members endorse Elizabeth Fiedler for re-election as State Representative.
Note to members: Reclaim Philadelphia Citywide Committee member Adams Rackes is Fiedler’s spouse.
REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
188th District - Rick Krajewski (108)
Rick Krajewski, a former Reclaim Philadelphia organizer, first ran in 2020 when he defeated a 30 year incumbent. He’s on the leadership board of the Progressive Caucus in the state house where he has been pushing back against school vouchers and tough on crime legislation. He led hearings to legalize cannabis in Pennsylvania and in collaboration with West Philly nonprofit YEAH Philly introduced a bill to allow minors access to their birth certificates which would help youth better access jobs, enroll in schools, open up bank accounts and more. We are also proud that his legislation to reform evictions in Philadelphia, in tribute to Angel Davis who was killed by a Landlord Tenant Officer, passed out of the House. Rick faces a challenger in this race, and we can’t risk losing a trusted movement champion. Reclaim Philadelphia's members endorse Rick Krajewski.
Note to members: Reclaim Philadelphia Citywide Committee member Tammer Ibrahim is Krajeweski’s campaign treasurer.
REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
190th District - Roni Green (108)
Roni Green is a labor leader who has a 35 year membership with union SEIU Local 668. As state representative, Roni has introduced transformative legislation for workers to increase the minimum wage to $16 as well as legislation to create a 4 day workweek. Following Philly’s lead, Roni alongside Rep Tarik Khan, introduced legislation to replace old water fountains in public schools so children and staff can have safe drinking water. Reclaim Philadelphia's members endorse Roni Green.
REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
194th District - Tarik Khan (108)
As a frontline nurse before and while running, Tarik Khan delivered vaccinations to homebound patients during the peak of the COVID pandemic. We endorsed him in 2020 when he ran a progressive challenge against incumbent Pam Delissio and won! Tarik is the first Pakistani-American and first nurse practitioner ever elected in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. In the state house he’s been a trusted ally when it comes to healthcare justice where he is building up infrastructure for Medicare for All in the commonwealth. Following Philly, Tarik alongside Rep Roni Green, introduced legislation to replace old water fountains in public schools so children and staff can have safe drinking water. Reclaim Philadelphia's members endorse Tarik Khan.
REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
200th District - Chris Rabb (108)
First elected in 2016, Chris Rabb has been a solid movement leader in the General Assembly. In his last election, he was redistricted into a race with a fellow incumbent who was receiving funds from Republican billionaire Jeffrey Yass – and Rabb still won! Since that election Rabb worked on police accountability resulting in the creation of the first statewide police misconduct database in 2020 and the passing of the Death Penalty Repeal bill out of committee in 2023. He has also introduced legislation for reparations for the descendants of the enslaved in Pennsylvania. Reclaim Philadelphia’s membership first endorsed Rabb in 2018 and has voted to endorse him for re-election ever since. Reclaim Philadelphia's members endorse Chris Rabb.
REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
201st District - Andre Carroll (108)
Andre Carroll is a Reclaim member, former campaign worker for Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, and former campaign manager for Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke. Andre is committed to mass liberation and has focused a lot of his energy around youth’s impacted by the carceral system. Reclaim endorsed Andre when he first ran for this seat in 2020 almost knocking out a ten year incumbent and winning 43% of the vote. In this year’s race, incumbent Stephen Kinsey has decided to not seek re-election. Andre has run such a strong campaign that other candidates running against him have chosen to withdraw from the race. Now unopposed in both the primary and general elections, we know that he will be the first out gay man elected in the district, and the second out gay Black man elected in the general assembly. This seat has been a key pickup opportunity for our movement and a chance to expand our squad in Harrisburg. We’re excited to support our next State Representative Andre Carroll! Reclaim Philadelphia's members endorse Andre Carroll.
CITYWIDE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
UNITED STATES SENATOR
Robert P. Casey Jr (102)
Bob Casey has been in the Senate representing PA since 2006, where he has been a consistent vote for key democratic priorities like the Affordable Care Act, pandemic aid money, and the inflation reduction act. He is also a consistent supporter of democratic judicial nominations, which will be sorely needed to take control of the Supreme Court. With Democrats holding only a slim majority in the senate and the results of the presidential election unknown, it's imperative we keep this seat in the hands of democrats. For these reasons, Reclaim Philadelphia’s Citywide Committee recommends sending Bob Casey back to the Senate.
REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
172nd District - Sean Dougherty (108)
Sean Dougherty is a former public defender, and has experience fighting for the working class. We are thankful he won his primary against Kevin Boyle, who’s recent behavior would’ve made us lose this seat in the PA House. But Dougherty’s win isn’t certain and Republicans in the Northeast have their eyes focused on this race. It's important for Democrats to maintain a majority in the PA State house to get our priorities funded like SEPTA and Whole Hole Repairs. Reclaim Philadelphia's Citywide Committee recommends Sean Dougherty.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING
Update and verify your voter Registration: Even if you are a regular voter, it’s always good to verify your registration before the deadline. If you’ve moved or changed your name, you can update your registration now. The deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration for the General Election has passed and was Monday October 21, 2024.
If you have been impacted by the carceral system, you can still vote: as long as you aren’t in prison or jail for a felony conviction or haven’t committed election fraud within the last four years.
If voting in person: Polls are open 7am to 8pm on Election day Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Find your polling location here. Photo ID is not required to vote unless it is your first time voting in your current division. If you requested a mail-in ballot but have changed your mind you will still need to surrender your mail-in ballot and all related envelopes in order to vote at the polls. If you have any problems you can always request to vote by provisional ballot. Wear a mask and observe social distancing inside the polling place. If you are in line by 8pm you are legally allowed to vote.
If voting by mail: The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot has passed on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. If you still have a mail-in ballot, we advise you to drop it off as soon as possible ONLY at the Board of Elections in City Hall, the closest 24/7 Ballot Drop Off Box, or the closest Satellite Election Office by 8pm on Election Day, not your polling place. If your mail-in ballot arrived pre-sealed, you made a mistake, or if your name appeared on a list of potentially flawed ballots you can request a replacement ballot at a satellite office through election day.
Make your mail-in ballot count: 1) Mark your ballot with a black or blue pen. 2) Seal it in the secrecy envelope. 3) Seal the secrecy envelope into the return envelope. Ballots without the secrecy envelope will not be counted! 4) Sign and date the return envelope.
Get all your voting resources for the upcoming election and reclaim your vote here!
Take Action with us: 1) Sign up here to join us and knock doors to get out the vote for our endorsed and recommended candidates 2) Invest in our canvass program by making a donation here!
Reclaim Philadelphia’s Citywide Committee is a leadership team directly elected by Reclaim Philadelphia members to two-year terms. See the current membership that was elected on October 17, 2022 at the bottom of our Leadership Team page.