Pennsylvania
Pa. 3rd Congressional District candidates want to abolish, not reform, ICE
Experience vs. ‘innovation’
The five Democrats present agreed on most policy prescriptions and mostly competed on the question of who was best qualified to take the district’s interests to Washington, D.C.
Street and Cephas repeatedly pointed to their legislative experience, arguing that time spent navigating Harrisburg’s power dynamics has prepared them to deliver results in Congress. Street cited his role passing bipartisan legislation in a Republican-controlled Senate, saying every bill he advanced required “understanding the legislative process to get things done.”
Cephas emphasized her record as Philadelphia Delegation Chair, noting that she had already “gotten bills to the governor’s desk” and framed experience as essential in a moment of political instability.
“It’s not about just talking about big ideas, it’s about delivering,” she said.
By contrast, Stanford and McConnie-Saad leaned into outsider narratives, arguing that the system itself is broken. Stanford described herself as “not part of the system” and pointed to her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, founding the Black Doctors Consortium to get vaccines to underserved communities, as proof she could act decisively.
“It was not my responsibility. You did not elect me to do it,” she said. “You did elect some of the people here, and I filled the gap. And in times like these, we need innovation.”
McConnie-Saad similarly argued that Philadelphia has been “voting for the same sort of politician over and over again with less and less to show for it,” presenting his background in federal policy and urban affairs as a break from traditional political pathways.
“This was the poorest big city in the country when I was growing up. It’s 2026. It’s still the poorest big city in the country after Houston,” he said. “And it’s not because things are getting better here. It’s because things are that bad in Houston.”
Affordability, health care and SEPTA
When asked to identify the most pressing issues facing Center City residents, candidates largely converged around affordability, health care and transportation.
Cephas pointed to the recent expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, noting that “we’ve seen 80,000 people in one month alone drop their health care as a direct result.”
Street echoed that concern, saying that restoring the credits would help stabilize premiums across the state and pointed to his role in creating Pennie, the commonwealth’s online health insurance marketplace.
“I certainly, as a congressman, will fight for restoring those federal tax credits that we used to create Pennie,” he said.
Oxman, a physician at Jefferson Health, connected health outcomes to general affordability issues.
“You cannot be healthy if you don’t have a job that pays a living wage,” he said. “You cannot be healthy or your kids can’t be healthy if their school is overcrowded and underfunded. And you certainly cannot be healthy if you are kicked off your health insurance or you can’t afford to buy your medications.”
Housing affordability emerged as another major area of agreement. Candidates cited a shortage of affordable units and the growing influence of real estate investment firms in the housing market.
Cephas said Philadelphia is “70,000 affordable housing units short to meet the demand” and warned that thousands of federally subsidized units could soon expire. “We want to ensure that Philadelphians can afford Philadelphia,” she said.
Oxman framed the issue as economic and moral.
“There are people tonight who are choosing between buying their groceries, paying for their medications or paying for their rent,” he said, adding that “the largest growing segment of the homeless population is children.”
McConnie-Saad argued that private equity firms are “manufacturing an increase in cost of housing” and called for federal action to increase supply and ensure new units remain affordable.
Several candidates also stressed the importance of federal investment in SEPTA.
“We need to make sure that the federal government does its part to deal with the deferred maintenance that SEPTA has,” Street said, calling for a transit system that is “solvent” and affordable.
Cephas agreed but added she would like to see it “free and accessible to every single person across the city of Philadelphia” by stopping the system from being “nickeled and dimed.”
Schnell criticized SEPTA’s reliability, citing recent delays and cancellations.
“I think we were up to like 70%, if not more, of these delays going on,” he said, arguing for reforms modeled on European rail systems with more frequent and predictable service.
Street added gun violence as another issue that he would prioritize in Congress.
“I walk past people every day who deal with gun violence,” he said. “Some days I have to tell my wife not to come home right now because it’s not safe. I have prioritized making sure that we do whatever we can to stop gun violence in a way that I think is a little different than others.”
ICE and Gaza
Some of the sharpest discussion of the evening came during exchanges on ICE and the war in Gaza and related protests. Democrats in Washington, D.C., have been calling for reforming ICE as they negotiate a federal budget with Republicans, but all of the Democrats at the forum said ICE should simply be “abolished.”
Street said the agency’s culture was beyond reform.
“The culture of ICE has been corrupted at a level where it’s not redeemable,” he said. “We should not have an agency that has been corrupted with neo-Nazis.”
Stanford called ICE a “paramilitary force” and said its funding comes at the expense of basic services.
“It’s taking money away from our schools and away from our infrastructure and away from our health care so we can terrorize cities,” she said.
McConnie-Saad noted that ICE was created after 9/11 and argued there was “no reason to maintain an agency that was created for part of the weaponization of the federal government.”
Oxman recounted watching the video of the shooting of Renee Good, a protester who was killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
“I don’t like the idea of a federal shutdown any more than anyone else does, but if this is not an issue we’re standing up for, I really don’t know what is,” he said.
Schnell said ICE had “gone way too far” and violated constitutional protections, but stopped short of supporting abolition.
“I wouldn’t go as far as actually abolishing them,” he said, instead calling for reforms that would narrow the agency’s focus to serious crimes.
Candidates were also asked about protests related to the war in Gaza, including a recent demonstration in Center City that some Jewish organizations said crossed into incitement. Street and some other Democratic Party lawmakers denounced the rally as “pro-Hamas,” referencing the Palestinian militant group that has been the de facto governing authority in Gaza for nearly two decades.
“As an American Muslim, I feel compelled to say that Hamas is a terrorist organization and should be condemned — not glorified,” Street said in a post on social media.
“We got to stand up against this hate so we don’t have violence right here where we live,” he said at the forum, referencing antisemitic attacks in Pennsylvania.
Oxman thanked Street for publicly condemning violence, but also denounced the sustained assault on Gaza.
“Oct. 7 was the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust,” Oxman said. “At the same time, there is nothing complex about calling out the horror that is happening in Gaza, the indiscriminate killing of civilians and food being used as a weapon of war.”
Stanford said she opposed violence and dehumanization on all sides.
“I believe that the Israeli people have a right to live with freedom and dignity and safety, and I believe that the Palestinian people have a right to live with freedom and dignity and safety,” she said.
Campaign finance and corporate influence
Campaign finance emerged as one of the clearer dividing lines among the candidates, particularly among the Democrats.
Oxman and McConnie-Saad both emphasized that they do not accept money from corporate political action committees, arguing that such contributions distort representation.
“You cannot represent the people of this district if you’re also trying to represent health insurance PACs, gaming industry PACs, nursing home networks,” Oxman said, possibly in a veiled attack on Stanford’s campaign. Her donors include the PAC for Select Medical Corp., a Mechanicsburg firm that owns rehab hospitals and physical therapy clinics.
McConnie-Saad echoed that view, saying he had rejected both corporate PAC and American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, donations.
“I don’t believe in being influenced by those forces,” he said, arguing that corporate interests have contributed to rising housing costs and economic stagnation in Philadelphia.
Cephas later aligned herself with that position, pledging during the forum to reject corporate PAC money as well.
Street pushed back on the idea that accepting limited corporate PAC donations necessarily compromises independence.
“I’ve not taken any pledges on rejecting corporate PAC money,” he said, adding that “almost all my money has come locally.”
He noted that individual contribution limits cap donations at $5,000 and argued that wealthier candidates who self-fund may wield disproportionate influence of their own.
“It’s easy if you spent your life making a lot of money and you can put your own money in the race to say, ‘I’m not taking corporate money,’” Street said, likely a reference to Stanford and Oxman, who both “loaned” substantial sums to their campaigns.
“I’ve lived my life in North Philly on a public servant salary,” Street added.
Some Pennsylvania towns make it easy to feel included within a day of arriving. In Lititz, summer concerts at Lititz Springs Park turn into informal reunions, with families setting up lawn chairs side by side and local shop owners joining once they lock their doors for the evening. In Boiling Springs, the path around Children’s Lake doubles as a daily check-in point where walkers greet each other by name before drifting into the cafés along Front Street. And in Ligonier, the Diamond and its bandstand pull residents downtown for markets and community events that rely on volunteers rather than outside organizers. The same pattern carries through the rest of the towns on our list.
Lititz
Lititz is in Lancaster County, about 6 miles north of the city of Lancaster. Founded in 1756, the town was named after a castle in Bohemia and initially served as a Moravian congregation settlement. Lititz is home to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, established in 1861 as the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States.
Lititz Springs Park, a historic community hub since 1756, hosts various yearly events, notably the well-known Lititz Fourth of July Celebration. For dining, the Appalachian Brewing Company provides locally brewed beers and a distinctive menu showcasing regional dishes. The Wilbur Chocolate Factory, a landmark since the late 1800s, includes a museum and shop where visitors can explore chocolate-making processes and buy unique confections.
Boiling Springs
Boiling Springs, in Cumberland County, owes its name to the natural artesian springs that maintain a constant temperature and were crucial to early ironworks in the area. Established in the 18th century, it is also part of the Appalachian Trail community, underscoring its long-standing connection to nature and history. The town’s historic district includes the Iron Furnace, dating to 1760 and a testament to Boiling Springs’ early industrial role.
The town features a variety of attractions for visitors and residents. Allenberry Resort and Playhouse, a historic venue since the mid-20th century, provides entertainment, dining, and lodging options. The Boiling Springs Tavern, founded in 1832, offers classic American cuisine in a historic environment. For outdoor enjoyment, Children’s Lake is perfect for fishing and relaxing walks, and the Appalachian Trail runs through the center of the community, offering great hiking opportunities.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe sits in the Lehigh Gorge in eastern Pennsylvania, and was originally known as Mauch Chunk and played a pivotal role in the coal and railroad industries. Renamed in 1954 to honor the legendary athlete Jim Thorpe, the town retains a Victorian era charm, with much of its architecture preserved and celebrated. This heritage is evident in attractions such as the Asa Packer Mansion, built in 1861 by a philanthropist and railroad magnate, which now serves as a museum.
Visitors to Jim Thorpe can choose from various recreation and dining options. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway provides a scenic ride through the mountains, perfect for enjoying the area’s natural beauty. Dining choices include Moya, famous for its upscale American dishes, and Stone Row Pub & Eatery, offering a relaxed atmosphere with local ingredients. Outdoor lovers can enjoy boating and hiking at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, making the town an attractive destination.
Ligonier
Ligonier was established in the 1760s and features a rich colonial history highlighted by Fort Ligonier, a British fortification from the French and Indian War. The town square, known as the Diamond, is circled by original structures and a bandstand from the 19th century, reinforcing its historical ambiance.
Fort Ligonier functions as both a museum showcasing 18th-century artifacts and a venue for reenactments and educational activities. The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art enriches visitors with American art exhibitions. Dining options in Ligonier include the historic Ligonier Tavern, known for its local cuisine, and The Wicked Googly, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and live music. For outdoor leisure, Ligonier Beach offers a distinctive swimming experience with a historic pool from 1925.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro, located in Tioga County, was established in 1806 and acts as the gateway to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as Pine Creek Gorge. The town exudes nostalgic charm with its gas-lit streets and historic Victorian buildings, offering a window into its storied history. A prime example of this history is the Penn Wells Hotel, which has been serving visitors since the early 1900s.
For those wanting to explore Wellsboro, the restored 1920s movie theater, The Arcadia Theatre, regularly features films and performances, serving as a cultural center for locals and visitors. The Native Bagel offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Outdoor lovers can enjoy Leonard Harrison State Park, which offers stunning views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, along with trails and picnic spots. Furthermore, the annual Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival attracts crowds with its parade, arts and crafts, and local food stalls, honoring the area’s cultural traditions.
Foxburg
Foxburg, situated along the Allegheny River in Clarion County, was founded in 1870. It is famous for being home to the oldest golf course still in operation in the United States, the Foxburg Country Club, established in 1887. This historical feature adds to its charming and distinctive character, blending small-town American charm with a deep golf tradition.
The Foxburg Wine Cellars offers tastings of locally produced wines, complemented by a scenic setting. For dining, the Allegheny Grille provides riverfront views alongside a menu featuring regional cuisine, emphasizing the town’s picturesque location. Culture enthusiasts can explore the American Golf Hall of Fame, located within the Foxburg Country Club, which houses a collection of golf memorabilia and artifacts. For outdoor activities, the nearby Allegheny River Trail offers miles of biking and walking paths, making Foxburg a destination with diverse appeal.
Honesdale
Honesdale serves as the county seat for Wayne County and was founded in 1826. It has historical significance as the terminus of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, pivotal in the transport of coal to major markets in the northeast. Notably, Honesdale is credited with being the site of the first commercial steam locomotive run on rails in the United States, the Stourbridge Lion, adding a rich layer to its industrial heritage.
The Wayne County Historical Society presents exhibits on canal and railroad history, shedding light on the town’s growth. For dining, visitors can choose the upscale Hotel Wayne, known for its fine dining and bistro bar, or the more relaxed Trackside Grill, offering views of the historic railroad. Outdoor lovers can visit Honesdale Park, which has walking paths and recreational facilities, serving as a popular venue for community events and gatherings.
Milford
Milford is situated at the crossroads of the Delaware River and the Pocono Mountains’ foothills. Established in 1796, it rapidly gained popularity as a resort in the 19th century, thanks to its scenic landscape and fresh mountain air. The town is also renowned for the Milford Historic District, which features a range of well-preserved buildings that reflect its prosperous history.
The Columns Museum houses the famous Lincoln Flag, believed to be stained with Abraham Lincoln’s blood from the night of his assassination, providing a profound historical experience. For dining, Bar Louis at the Hotel Fauchère offers a contemporary menu in a stylish setting, while the Waterwheel Café provides a rustic atmosphere with live music and local cuisine. Additionally, Grey Towers National Historic Site, the former home of Gifford Pinchot, founder of the U.S. Forest Service, offers guided tours and scenic grounds.
Mount Joy
Mount Joy was founded in 1759 and has a name derived from an old Irish ship, the “Mountjoy,” which played a pivotal role in breaking a siege during the Irish Confederate Wars. This town, nestled among the rich, rolling farmlands of the county, has historically been a hub for agriculture and today melds historic charm with modern vibrancy, evident in its revitalized downtown area.
Bube’s Brewery, an intact historic 19th-century brewery and museum, offers unique dining experiences in its catacombs and regularly hosts murder mystery dinners. The Country Table Restaurant is known for its comfort food and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the town’s friendly spirit. For outdoor activities, Little Chiques Park provides scenic walking paths and picnic areas, perfect for family outings. Additionally, the annual “Mount Joy Winterfest” brings the community together with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, showcasing the town’s lively community spirit.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg is a vibrant town established in 1785. It is home to Bucknell University, established in 1846, which adds a youthful energy and cultural richness to the town. Lewisburg’s downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a tree-lined main street that enhances its historic charm.
In terms of activities and dining, Lewisburg offers a variety of choices that cater to both residents and visitors. The Campus Theatre, one of the few remaining single-screen art deco movie theaters in the country, offers a unique cinematic experience. For dining, Elizabeth’s American Bistro provides a fine dining experience using local ingredients, while the Bull Run Tap House offers a more casual atmosphere with a comprehensive selection of craft beers. For outdoor enthusiasts, Hufnagle Park offers a green retreat in the heart of the town, complete with walking paths and garden areas, making it a popular gathering place for community events and casual recreation.
As we journey through Pennsylvania’s coziest corners, we discover that these small towns do more than just charm visitors with their picturesque settings and historical backdrops. They invite us into a world where community spirit thrives and every street and alley tells a story. These towns, from Lititz’s pretzel-perfumed air to Lewisburg’s university vibes, showcase the true heart of Pennsylvania through their unyielding warmth and hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat or a peek into America’s storied past, these towns offer a refuge where friendliness is the native language.
Pennsylvania
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in strikes; Pennsylvania lawmakers respond
At 72, Oprah swears by this specific move for full-body strength – here’s why it’s so effective
Review | Hoppers: Pixar’s new animation is a hilarious, heartfelt animal Avatar
A look at some of the contenders to be Iran’s supreme leader after the killing of Khamenei
Map: Earthquake Shakes Central California
Video: Defense Officials Give No Timeline for War in Iran as U.S. Boosts Forces
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Map: Earthquake Shakes Central California
Gas prices could jump as Middle East tensions threaten global oil supply
Pakistan calls troops, orders 3-day curfew as 24 killed in pro-Iran rallies
US says Kuwait accidentally shot down 3 American jets
House Republicans push Johnson to go to war with Senate over SAVE Act
-
World5 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts5 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Denver, CO5 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Louisiana1 week agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Technology1 week agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Politics1 week agoOpenAI didn’t contact police despite employees flagging mass shooter’s concerning chatbot interactions: REPORT
-
Technology1 week agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making
-
News1 week agoWorld reacts as US top court limits Trump’s tariff powers