On Nov. 3, voters in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District voted for State Rep. Chris Rabb to represent them in the U.S. Congress.

Since defeating Democratic incumbent Tonyelle Cook-Artis in 2016, Rabb has represented the 200th legislative district, which includes Mt. Airy, parts of Chestnut Hill and West Oak Lane, in Harrisburg as one of its most outspoken progressive members.

Gaining support from groups like the Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America, Reclaim Philadelphia, and the Working Families Party, Rabb defeated state Sen. Sharif Street, Dr. Ala Stanford and Shaun Griffith in the May primary. While he had no Republican challenger in last week’s general election, Rabb defeated independent challenger Dennis Mahoney with 93.6% of the vote.

Rabb will begin his new role with a Democratic majority in the U.S. House and Senate, with the party still debating what direction to take in the coming years. The Local submitted five questions to Rabb and asked how he intends to serve in Congress:

Q. With the healthcare cuts starting in January, can Democrats reverse the effects in time without a supermajority?

A: “Unfortunately, Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage will be eliminated for low-income, lawfully present immigrants, and federal incentives for state Medicaid expansion will end before I’m sworn in.

Major Medicaid cuts are set to take effect at the start of 2027. The president has the power of the veto to block attempts at clawbacks, but this midterm election demonstrated that access to affordable healthcare is a priority for all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations. That is why Democrats are determined to pass bills that will reverse the effects and restore Medicaid. We know this will require a broad coalition and mass movement to recruit enough Republicans in the Senate that prevent a presidential veto. My hope is that Republicans will heed the call of voters and join Democrats in doing what’s right for the American people and restore Medicaid funding.”

Q: What would you say to voters who fear Democrats will sit on their hands until 2028?

A: “The midterm election unleashed a hue and cry for urgent change. People cannot put their lives on hold until the next presidential election. The people of Philadelphia’s 3rd Congressional District need relief now — from high grocery bills and gas prices, ever rising healthcare costs and stagnant wages. We need only look at the high poverty in Philadelphia to understand the urgency for Democrats in Congress to act now. Because no one working 40 hours a week in the richest country in world history should be living in poverty.

Voters have every right to demand action, and we have a responsibility to earn their trust through results. I’m going to Congress to build coalitions around those basic needs, such as advancing a living wage, protecting Medicare and Medicaid, and serving as a check on the vast damage done by this presidency. These priorities have support across ideological and partisan lines. We should organize around that common ground and use every tool Congress has to move them forward.”

Q: Following the election, there has been discussion over whether Democrats should focus on affordability or accountability, but are these things mutually exclusive? Can Democrats pass meaningful legislation to better the lives of Americans, while challenging Trump and his appointees?

A: “We can and must do both. Affordability and accountability are connected because corruption is exacting a cost borne by the American people. The Trump administration is a kleptocracy that puts its own interests, and those of big corporations loyal to it, ahead of the public good, and ordinary Americans bear that cost — in their household budgets, medical bills and the services they depend on, and the opportunities they lose.

Congress has a responsibility to investigate and root out corruption, self-dealing and abuse of power by Trump and his appointees. We also have a responsibility to advance legislation that lowers costs, raises wages and makes healthcare accessible and affordable. Oversight and legislating are both part of the job.

Passing meaningful legislation will require broad coalitions and sustained pressure. Many of these priorities transcend partisanship. People, regardless of their political affiliations, want economic security and a government that works for them. Our task is to turn that common ground into results while holding accountable those who have abused the public’s trust.”

Q: Community organizations submitted questions to the Local prior to the election. One common theme was communication with community groups securing grants, whether for commercial revitalization or protection of green spaces and affordable housing. How will our new representative work with local community organizations?

A: “I will continue to prioritize deep engagement and open communication with my constituents, as I did as a state representative. We are continuing our listening tour with residents and community organizations to better understand and respond to their needs. If a group wants to host one, please contact my team and we will work with them to put it together. In the spring, we will open our Community Funded Project portal. We are working with the House Democratic leadership to expand eligibility to more community groups because, right now, funds must go through local governments. Our focus will be on local business development, education and recreation centers, and housing.”

Q: Seeing the Democratic trifecta in the state legislature, what initiatives (policy or funding) would you like to see your former colleagues in the state government pass now that you are moving on to the U.S. Congress?

A: “I’m optimistic about what Democratic control of both legislative chambers will mean for Pennsylvanians. My legislative wish list for 2027 includes bills that I championed since 2017. Chief among them are bills to establish a living wage, reform heirs property laws to end deed theft, ban state cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, reform DUI cannabis law, establish rank-choice voting, and reform laws governing firearm dealers.”

Editor’s note: After this interview was conducted, the Local asked Rabb’s office for comment on Sunday’s bike protest against six Jewish-owned restaurants near Rittenhouse Square. Rabb is a member of the Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America, which said it did not endorse the bike ride but criticized several other elected officials for their “bad faith condemnations” of it. As of press time Tuesday morning, Rabb’s office had not responded.