DemocratIncumbent
2026 candidate
Ben Waxman
www.pahouse.com/WaxmanFirst-term state rep. Previously communications director and press secretary to Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner. Son of Sharon Waxman, founder of TheWrap and former WaPo/NYT reporter. Won 2024 Democratic primary in HD-182.
Chance of winning85%
Safe D seat in heart of Center City; incumbency advantage after 2024 flip.
Background
First-term state rep. Previously communications director and press secretary to Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner. Son of Sharon Waxman, founder of TheWrap and former WaPo/NYT reporter. Won 2024 Democratic primary in HD-182.
Stated positions · 5
- Criminal justice reform including bail reform and reduced incarceration
- Strong tenant protections, just-cause eviction, dedicated affordable housing funding
- SEPTA funding and transit-oriented development in dense Center City district
- Expanded reproductive rights; opposes state abortion restrictions
- Gun safety including universal background checks, safe storage, lost/stolen reporting
Pros & cons, honest read
Reasons to support
- Sharp communicator with high media fluency from DA office and family media background
- Brings criminal-justice-reform expertise rare in the Harrisburg Democratic caucus
- Represents generational change after the Brian Sims era
Reasons to be skeptical
- Very short legislative record; only one term
- Close association with DA Krasner is polarizing — strong asset with progressives, liability with moderates worried about crime
- Critics on left say he has not been as DSA-aligned as some hoped; critics on right say too soft on crime
Sources
Published as research from public sources. Parley does not endorse candidates. Disclaimers & right-of-reply · Report an error