State Rep. Tarik Khan, a Democrat representing Pennsylvania’s 194th House District, has endorsed Megan Griffin-Shelley in the race for the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s 148th House District, where she and Jason Goodman are seeking the endorsement of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee (MCDC).
The 148th District is currently represented by state Rep. Mary Jo Daley, who is not seeking reelection. Daley has publicly supported Griffin-Shelley in the race to succeed her.
Khan’s endorsement adds a new dynamic to a contest in which Goodman has been has been able to win the public support of far more committee memeber than Griffin-Shelley. Several committee members have indicated that while Griffin-Shelley may not have sufficient support to win the endorsement outright, she could draw enough votes to prevent any candidate from reaching the required threshold, resulting in no endorsement (an Open Primary).
The 194th District borders Lower Merion Township and includes the Philadelphia neighborhoods of Roxborough, Manayunk, East Falls, and Wissahickon. Until legislative redistricting took effect in 2022, the district also included portions of Lower Merion, including Bala Cynwyd and Belmont Hills
Khan, been repeatedly endorsed and promoted by Reclaim Philadelphia, which highlights him in its ballot guides and “movement” slate of progressive legislators. Reclaim grew out of the Bernie Sanders 2016 campaign as the Philadelphia chapter of Our Revolution and operates in the same post‑Bernie left ecosystem as Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), with key leaders and candidates like State Senator, Nikil Saval openly identifying as DSA members.
Megan Griffin-Shelley
Chief of Staff to State Rep. Nancy Guenst (PA-152). Has worked on health care legislation in Harrisburg, including proposals to expand practice authority for certified registered nurse practitioners.
Jason Goodman
Far more committee members in the 148th District are publicly supporting him than Griffin-Shelley. The total amount of Goodman’s campaign contributions is slightly less than Griffin-Shelley’s, but Goodman has received contributions from almost twice as many donors as Griffin-Shelley
Khan’s endorsement aligns with his professional and policy interests, but it also arrives amid broader political tensions surrounding the race. Goodman previously wrote critically about an advocacy effort connected to Fairness West Virginia in a 2024 opinion column published by Philadelphia Gay News. That effort was led at the time by Sarah Hammond, an LGBTQ advocate and Khan’s partner. Khan has not publicly linked that dispute to his endorsement decision..
The endorsement fight has also drawn attention locally. Khan attended last week’s regular monthly meeting of the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth (DCLMN) at Narberth Borough Hall. State Rep. Tim Briggs (D-PA 149) was also present. Daley, who lives in Narberth and is supporting Griffin-Shelley, did not attend the meeting and has not attended recent committee meetings.
The Montgomery County Democratic Committee is scheduled to vote Wednesday evening (February 18).
Key Players
- Rep. Mary Jo Daley (PA-148) - Not seeking reelection; supports Griffin-Shelley
- Rep. Tim Briggs (PA-149) - Has not publicly endorsed any candidate in this race
- Rep. Nancy Guenst (PA-152) - Griffin-Shelley's current employer. Has not publicly endorsed her.
- Rep. Tarik Khan (PA-194) - Nurse practitioner; endorsed Griffin-Shelley
Source: Philadelphia Gay News Goodman’s 2024 opinion column regarding Fairness West Virginia advocacy efforts.
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