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  • The Inquirer’s 2025 Very Philly Gift Guide

    The Inquirer’s 2025 Very Philly Gift Guide

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    A Very PhillyGift Guide2025

    .cls-1 {
    fill: none;
    }

    .cls-2, .cls-3 {
    fill: #662d91;
    }

    .cls-3 {
    fill-rule: evenodd;
    }

    .cls-4 {
    stroke: #67308f;
    stroke-miterlimit: 10;
    }

    .cls-4, .cls-5 {
    fill: #67308f;
    }

    .cls-6 {
    isolation: isolate;
    }

    Because gift-giving should be easier than finding a parking spot in South Philly.

    The gifts in the 2025 Very Philly Gift Guide represent The Inquirer's picks this holiday season. When you make a purchase through a link in this Guide, The Inquirer may be paid a commission.

    You don’t need us to tell you Philly’s got everything — sports legends, world-class food, killer small businesses, weird little workshops, and soft pretzels that double as a love language.

    So why settle for some generic gift set when you could give a hoagie room reservation, a Bird Gang varsity jacket, or locally made soaps crafted from coffee grounds and herbs?

    We’ve rounded up more than 70 very Philly gifts for everyone on your list: your friend who’s still talking about the Super Bowl parade, your aunt who cries tears of joy every time she walks into the Franklin Institute, your coworker who judges your coffee order, even your dog.

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    And because we know holiday shopping can feel like trying to find parking in South Philly on trash day, we turned this whole thing into a quiz.

    Just answer a few questions, and we’ll point you to the perfect gift.

    What’s their Philly vibe — Broad Street bold or cozy Fairmount calm?

    If they could get out of town tomorrow, where are they headed?

    When it comes to gifts, what gets the biggest “Oh my God, you nailed it”?

    When Friday hits, what’s their move?

    What’s the best part of the holidays for them?

    What’s their favorite thing about Philly — besides complaining about parking?

    If they’re spending a cozy day in, what’s the vibe?

    When they’re hanging out, what kind of crowd are they gathering?

    Which kind of Philly-themed gift would make them say “This is so me?”

    Your Recommendations

    Less than $25
    $25 – $75
    Over $75

    For the Sports Fanatic

    Less than $25
    $25 – $75
    Over $75
    • Tickets to an Eagles, Flyers, or Sixers game

      For the friend whose blood type is Gatorade and pretzel salt

      There’s no gift more Philly than game-day tickets. Let them scream at refs in person, feel the bass of the fight song in their chest, and high-five strangers like lifelong friends. Whether it’s the Birds under the lights at the Linc, the Flyers grinding it out on the ice, or Joel Embiid dropping 40 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, this gift guarantees goose bumps (and maybe a hoarse voice the next day).

      Varies

      Buy from Ticketmaster

    • Vintage Allen Iverson jersey

      For the friend who still yells “Step over him!” every time they hit a jumper

      The Sixers’ iconic blue jersey from the Allen Iverson era is back — the one worn when A.I. led the NBA in points, steals, and minutes per game in the 2001-’02 season. This jersey brings The Answer back to the present day. It’s pure Philly: bold, scrappy, and impossible to forget. For more Philly sports fan gift suggestions, click here.

      $325

      Buy from Mitchell and Ness

    • Jerseys from every Philly team

      For the friend who’s basically a walking sports bar

      Whether they bleed green, red, orange, or blue, this gift lets them wear their Philly pride on their sleeve — literally. Fanatics has jerseys for every pro team in town: Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and the Union. From Jalen Hurts to Bryce Harper to Joel Embiid, it’s the easiest way to suit up for game day, no matter the season. For more Philly sports fan gift suggestions, click here.

      From
      $16.99

      Buy from Fanatics

    • Philadelphia Eagles “Princess Di” varsity jacket

      For the friend who believes true royalty bleeds Kelly green

      Every Philadelphian knows the jacket — the one Princess Diana wore in the ’90s that somehow made the Birds look even more regal. Now, thanks to Mitchell & Ness, fans can finally own the officially licensed replica. The Vintage Full-Snap Varsity Jacket features heavyweight construction, a chenille throwback helmet patch, tricolor rib-knit detailing, and a big Eagles logo that’s pure nostalgia and attitude. It’s been spotted on Kylie Kelce, framed at Middle Child Clubhouse, and worshiped by anyone who knows fashion and football can share a locker room.

      $400

      Buy from Mitchell and Ness

    • The Inquirer Eagles Super Bowl front page

      For the friend who still hasn’t stopped watching the parade highlights

      If you didn’t snag a paper the morning after the Eagles’ 40–22 Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs, here’s your second chance. The Inquirer “Big Easy” front page — featuring Jalen Hurts holding the Lombardi Trophy and other photo options — is available framed or unframed, in various sizes.

      From
      $45

      Buy from The Inquirer Store

    • “What a Run!”

      For the friend who can quote every postgame presser

      From Week 1 in São Paulo to hoisting the Lombardi in New Orleans, What a Run! captures every play, player, and parade from the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning season. This 128-page commemorative book is packed with stories, stats, and full-color photos of Saquon Barkley’s breakout, Jalen Hurts’ MVP moment, and Vic Fangio’s lock-down defense. It’s the ultimate keepsake for fans who want to relive the season — minus the nail-biting fourth quarters.

      $17.95

      Buy from The Inquirer Store

    • Tush Push sweatpants

      For the friend who believes fourth-and-1 is a lifestyle

      Celebrate Philly’s most unstoppable play with Rowen’s best-selling Tush Push Sweatpants — cozy, soft, and just cheeky enough. These 50/50 cotton-poly sweats feature a clean front with a drawstring waistband and a bold graphic on the back that proudly honors the Birds’ signature QB sneak.

      $69

      Buy from Rowen

    • Cameo from a Philly athlete

      For the friend who’d rather hear it straight from the GOAT’s mouth

      Make their day with a personal video from a Philly legend — because nothing says “I care” like Brian Dawkins yelling “BLESSINGS!”, Shady McCoy shouting you out mid–Tush Push analysis, or Donovan McNabb pretending not to know what down it is. You can even have Bryson Stott say “Atta boy!”, Vince Papale drop a motivational speech straight out of Invincible, or The Philly Captain … well, just be The Philly Captain. Whether they bleed green, red pinstripes, or orange and black, this is the kind of gift that hits harder than a Dawkins tackle and lasts longer than a postgame rant from Jason Kelce.

      From
      $29

      Buy from Cameo

    • Citizens Bank Park canvas print

      For the friend who thinks the Phils’ skyline beats any sunset

      Bring the magic of Citizens Bank Park home with this artist-designed Phillies stadium print — a stunning tribute to the home of Bryce bombs, rally towels, and “Dancing On My Own.” Available as a fine art print or canvas wrap, it’s the perfect upgrade for any Philly fan cave, office, or living room that could use a little more red pinstripe energy.

      From
      $38

      Buy from Brian D. Oakes

    • Phillies pinstripe bib overalls

      For the friend who wants to tailgate in full-on pinstripe swagger

      These aren’t your average jeans. These Phillies bib overalls bring major team pride with full pinstripe styling, classic red, and a bold Phillies logo front and center. Whether they’re manning the grill, sprinting to the merch tent, or just rep’ing their fandom in style, these overalls are built for comfort and devotion. For more Philly sports fan gift suggestions, click here.

      $80

      Buy from FOCO

    • Sixers-themed cornhole set

      For the friend who’s got Broad Street pride in their DNA

      A backyard essential for any Philly sports fan, this custom cornhole set features the Sixers court — Eagles and other teams also available — printed on a solid wood background. Comes ready to play with a full set of bags.

      $214.99

      Buy from Custom Cornhole

    • Alex Eagle x J. Crew feather jersey colorblock T-shirt

      For the friend who prefers a little sportiness with her fashion

      London-based design trendsetter Alex Eagle has teamed up with J. Crew to create a capsule of classic looks that contain her smart tailoring and sporty touch. This retro-inspired jersey T-shirt has a 100% cotton finish for a supersoft, lightweight feel that happens to look right at home in Philly thanks to its Kelly green colorways.

      $59.50

      Buy from J. Crew

    • Sporty finds from Minor Details

      For the friend whose gameday fit is as fierce as their fandom

      Minor Details, the boutique known for its playful Philly flair, has the perfect lineup of locally inspired gifts for trendsetting sports lovers. There’s the Bird Gang Knit Crop Sweater, cozy with varsity stripes and vintage vibes; the Bird Gang Beaded Purse, decked out in Kelly green, footballs, and sparkle for the ultimate tailgate accessory; and the Phillies ice cream helmet hair clip, a cheeky nod to Citizens Bank Park treats that’s pure Philly fun.

      From
      $18

      Buy from Minor Details (hair clip)Buy from Minor Details (purse)Buy from Minor Details (sweater)

    • Midnight Green Eagles Puffer Vest

      For the friend who stays warm while being cool

      This unisex puffer vest from Off Season in collaboration with the NFL features intricate Eagles embroidery, 3D silicone patches, and jacquard detailing. A corduroy lining and padded polyester fill bring serious warmth, while double interior pockets bring convenience.

      $285

      Buy from FanaticsBuy from Nordstrom

    • Luxe Cashmere Oversize Crewneck Sweater

      For the friend who expresses her fandom in cozy style

      Naadam’s new line of NFL-branded cashmere sweaters brings soft, plush, roomy feels to a fan’s wardrobe. Knit from 100% premium cashmere, this boyfriend-style pullover features bold chest lettering and an official Eagles team logo at the cuff.

      $298

      Buy from Naadam

    • Lululemon x Fanatics Half-Zip Hoodie

      For the friend who wears her Eagles pride in and out of the gym

      Just released at the end of October, the new collaboration between the NFL, Lululemon, and Fanatics has apparel from all 32 NFL teams. But let's not kid anyone — you only need one. The oversize half-zip hoodie features an Eagles logo, convenient kangaroo pouch, and thumbholes for cozy comfort.

      $128

      Buy from NFL ShopBuy from Fanatics

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    For the Foodie

    • Local restaurant prints

      For the friend who still dreams about their favorite Philly meal

      Brooklyn artist John Donohue has made it his mission to capture beloved restaurants through intricate, hand-drawn sketches — and his Philadelphia collection is a love letter to the city’s dining scene. From iconic spots like Zahav and John’s Roast Pork to cozy neighborhood haunts, each print is rendered in Donohue’s signature minimalist style, celebrating the charm and character of Philly’s food institutions. And every Philly print sale benefits the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Donohue also accepts custom commissions, so you can immortalize your favorite date-night spot or corner bar.

      From
      $55

      Buy from All the Restaurants

    • Philly Cheese School classes

      For the friend whose spirit animal is a wheel of brie

      Help them level up their cheese game with a tasting experience that’s part class, part party. Philly Cheese School offers both public events — think “Cheese Basics: Extra Fancy Edition” — and private classes, where they’ll sip, snack, and soak up all things fromage. Not sure which to choose? Gift cards let them pick the vibe, date, and cheese adventure that suits them best.

      From
      $50

      Buy from Philly Cheese School

    • Bean2Bean coffees

      For the friend who’s never met a roast they didn’t analyze

      Philly’s own Bean2Bean is serving up small-batch blends that are as bold as they are beloved. Whether it’s the chocolatey-berry vibes of their Schuylkill Select, the rich, dark Italian Market Espresso, or the indulgent Franklin Reserve collabs, these beans are the real deal. Locally roasted in Harrowgate by a Puerto Rican-owned roastery, this is the brew behind espresso martinis at your favorite bar and the coffee at Philly-area staples like Schlesinger’s Deli and The Kibbitz Room. Start with the Franklin Reserve and brew on from there.

      $17.47

      Buy from Bean2Bean

    • “You Gotta Eat”

      For the friend who’s running on vibes, caffeine, and zero meal plans

      This isn’t your typical cookbook — it’s part pep talk, part survival guide, and 100% judgment-free. You Gotta Eat by Inquirer food editor Margaret Eby is for the person who stares into their fridge like it’s a hostile witness and still ends up eating peanut butter from a spoon. With tips tailored to your current energy level (from “I can open a package” to “I can maybe chop one thing”), it’s full of genius hacks, low-effort recipes, and the reassurance that yes, you can feed yourself — and maybe even enjoy it. For more Philly book recommendations, click here.

      $19.99

      Buy from AmazonBuy from Head House Books

    • Urban Roots Farm CSA membership

      For the friend who wishes summer farmers market season never ended

      Give them the gift of 21 weeks of just-picked, chemical-free produce from Urban Roots Farm, a 26-acre, first-generation farm in Newtown Square — and the same one that grows the tomatoes used in Middle Child’s iconic BLTs. Members of the farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program get weekly boxes packed with seasonal vegetables, strawberries, and flowers, harvested fresh and ready for pickup at the farm from June through November.

      From
      $30

      Buy from Urban Roots

    • “Kickoff Kitchen”

      For the friend who plans Sunday meals around kickoff time

      Bring the stadium to the kitchen with this playbook of tailgate-worthy recipes from Tim Lopez, the longtime Eagles chef who spent 13 years feeding the Birds — including during their Super Bowl LII run. Kickoff Kitchen serves up two recipes for every NFL team (yes, even Dallas), from crab cake bites for Baltimore fans to Philly’s own roast pork sandwich and cheesesteak egg rolls. It’s part cookbook, part culinary field trip across America’s football cities — ideal for anyone who believes game day isn’t complete without great food. For more Philly book recommendations, click here.

      $24.99

      Buy from Amazon

    • Fishtown Seafood oyster classes

      For the friend who can taste the difference between Cape May Salts and Wellfleets

      Give the gift of a little salt, brine, and Philly flair with Fishtown Seafood’s oyster classes, designed for every level of mollusk lover. In Oysters 101, beginners learn the essentials — from safe shucking technique to oyster anatomy and how to spot the freshest bivalves. Graduates can level up with Oysters 202, which explores regional terroirs, seasonal flavor profiles, and the subtleties that make each oyster unique.

      From
      $50

      Buy from Fishtown Seafood

    • “Slow Drinks”

      For the friend who thinks cocktail hour should come with a foraging basket

      This isn’t your average mixology book — it’s a whole vibe, and a James Beard Award winner, too. In Slow Drinks, South Jersey’s own Danny Childs (aka the ethnobotanist bartender behind Farm & Fisherman and Old City’s Almanac) shows how to turn garden weeds, wild herbs, and backyard finds into fancy drinks that taste like the season itself. From Dandelion Mead to Spruce Beer, this book proves that great cocktails start with curiosity — and maybe a pair of muddy boots. For more Philly book recommendations, click here.

      $32

      Buy from AmazonBuy from Head House Books

    • Di Bruno Bros. Tailgate Bundle gift box

      For the friend who considers “just a little snack” a full meal

      Philly’s charcuterie royalty has a gift box for every kind of snacker — from the Abbondanza Cheese & Charcuterie Box packed with their best-selling cheeses, meats, and truffle honey, to — our selection — the Philly Tailgate Bundle for the fan who thinks pepperoni and pretzel sticks are a food group. For more Di Bruno Bros. pantry recommendations, click here.

      $104.99

      Buy from Amazon

    • Beautiful Cookware Set by Drew Barrymore in Kelly Green

      For the friend whose fandom starts in the kitchen

      Bring some Birds pride to the kitchen with Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful 12-piece Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set in Kelly Green — the exact shade that’ll make any Eagles fan shout “Go Birds!” between bites. With sleek strainer lids, easy-clean pots, and serious style, it’s just right for the game-day host who treats tailgating like fine dining.

      $149

      Buy from Walmart

    • Jacquin’s Dietz Dill Vodka

      For the friend who never says no to pickles

      Philly brands Dietz & Watson and Jacquin’s collaborated on the new Dietz Dill vodka, available for the first time on Nov. 14 — National Pickle Day. The 60-proof, pickle-flavored vodka pairs Jacquin’s vodka with real Dietz & Watson pickle brine to give a dilly boost to your Bloody Marys and pickle martinis.

      $12.99

      Buy from Fine Wine & Good SpiritsBuy from Roger Wilco

    • Em Wilson Pastry’s home-baked Philly pretzels

      For the friend who believes soft pretzels are a love language

      From her small-but-mighty kitchen in Northeast Philly, pastry chef Em Wilson turns out soft pretzels that redefine what “Philly-style” means — deeply golden, perfectly chewy, and kissed with just the right amount of salt (and heart). Known for her buttery croissants and “proper lye-dip” pretzels, Em’s small-batch bakes have become a favorite at local markets and pop-ups.

      From
      $3

      Buy from Em Wilson Pastry

    • A cheesesteak via Goldbelly

      For the friend who won’t shut up about how “you can’t get a real one anywhere else.”

      Forget the impostors, this is the real deal. Goldbelly ships legit Philly cheesesteaks straight from the region’s icons — Pat’s, Jim’s, John’s Roast Pork, Campo’s, Donkey’s Place, and more — to wherever they need to go. These sandwiches come cooked to order, packed on ice, and ready to reheat with the works: thin-sliced steak, soft rolls, and your choice of cheese: Whiz, provolone, or Cooper Sharp. No “Philly-style” nonsense, no soggy knockoffs, just the grease-dripping glory of the real thing. Start with Donkey’s Place — an Anthony Bourdain favorite. For more Philly foods you can ship, click here.

      $104.95

      Buy from Goldbelly

    • Knife sharpening

      For the friend who’s always cooking — or always complaining their knives are dull

      There are few gifts more practical (or more satisfying) than giving someone the sharpest knives in Philly. At Fante’s Kitchen Shop in the Italian Market, the pros will put a perfect edge on your blades while you browse espresso makers and pasta tools. For a higher-end tune-up, head to CM Neff Cook Supply Co. on East Passyunk, where chef and owner Cary Neff sharpens by hand with surgical precision.

      From
      $3

      Buy from Fante's Kitchen ShopBuy from CM Neff Cook Supply Co.

    • Bluecoat Gin

      For the friend whose bar cart is as Philly as their attitude

      Raise a glass to local craftsmanship with Bluecoat Gin, the award-winning spirit made in Fishtown by Philadelphia Distilling. Its bright citrus notes and smooth, juniper-forward finish make it the ultimate upgrade to a gin and tonic — or a martini that actually deserves a toast. It’s clean, classic, and unmistakably Philly.

      From
      $29.99

      Buy from Bluecoat GinBuy from Fine Wine and Good Spirits

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    For the Kids

    • Phillies 150-piece graphic puzzle

      For the friend with kids who are already heckling the ump from the living room

      Get your little Phils fan off the iPad and into the game with this bright, team-spirited 150-piece puzzle. It’s a fun way to keep them busy between innings (or at least until the post-game show starts).

      $17.99

      Buy from Rally HouseBuy from MLB Shop

    • Franklin Institute membership

      For the friend with kids who keeps asking “why?” (and for the parent who’s run out of answers)

      Turn curiosity into a year-round adventure with a Franklin Institute membership — your all-access pass to Philly’s favorite science playground. From the Fels Planetarium to hands-on exhibits that’ll have them building, blasting, and experimenting, this membership is a ticket to endless discovery.

      From
      $85

      Buy from Franklin Institute

    • Please Touch Museum membership

      For the friend with kids who love to press every button — just not yours

      Give the gift of play — and peace of mind — with a Please Touch Museum membership. Kids can climb, splash, build, and explore their way through Philly’s ultimate hands-on museum. It’s part funhouse, part education, all chaos in the best way possible.

      From
      $165

      Buy from Please Touch Museum

    • Charm Bar at Boxbar

      For the friend with kids who loves sparkle (and the friend who loves a statement piece)

      Let them play designer for a day at Boxbar’s Charm Bar, where they can build their own one-of-a-kind necklace or bracelet. With trays of glimmering charms — stars, hearts, initials, and even tiny Philly icons — and mix-and-match chains, they’ll leave with something that feels totally them. It’s part jewelry-making, part memory-making. Either way, it’ll shine.

      From
      $70

      Buy from Boxbar

    • Baby gear from Minor Details

      For the friend with a tiny Philly fan

      Raise ‘em right, in Philly style. These adorable picks from Minor Details are perfect for the littlest Birds and Phils fans. The Philly Football Baby Sweater comes in a deep Eagles green with “Eagles” stitched across the front, a cozy knit that’s ready for Sunday naps or kickoff cuddles. The Baseball Stitch Onesie features red baseball seam embroidery and the Phillies’ Liberty Bell logo.

      From
      $27

      Buy from Minor Details (sweater)Buy from Minor Details (onesie)

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    For the Traveler

    • Philadelphia LOVE tote bag

      For the friend who always reps their neighborhood

      Show your Philly pride everywhere you go with this hand-drawn, screen-printed tote from local artist Paul Carpenter. His clever “LOVE” design doubles as a map of the city — from Roxborough to Fishtown, South Philly to the Great Northeast — making it a great everyday bag for groceries, books, or Wawa runs. Created and printed in Philly, it’s a functional little love letter to the city itself.

      $15

      Buy from Etsy

    • Amtrak gift card

      For the friend who’s always up in New York, down in D.C., or anywhere the rails will go

      Sometimes the best gift is a ticket away — at least for a weekend. An Amtrak gift card gives your favorite traveler (or commuter) the freedom to hop a train to anywhere from Boston to D.C. without worrying about gas, tolls, or traffic. It’s perfect for the person who needs a recharge, a romantic getaway, or just an excuse to skip the Turnpike. You can load any amount, making it one of the most flexible (and stress-free) Philly gifts around.

      From
      $25

      Buy from Amtrak

    • Philadelphia Eagles carry-on suitcase

      For the friend who travels light — but never without team spirit

      Fly like an Eagle with this sleek black hard-shell spinner suitcase featuring the team’s bold eagle-head logo. Built for durability (and swagger), it’s a 21-inch carry-on with smooth 360-degree wheels, interior straps, and pockets that make packing almost fun. Whether they’re heading to an away game or just the airport bar, this suitcase says, “Yes, I’m from Philly.” For more picks for Philly sports fans, click here.

      $154.99

      Buy from NFL Shop

    • Rival Bros. travel mug

      For the friend who needs caffeine before conversation

      If they start their day with an eye roll and a latte, this 12-ounce Nomad Sip from Philly’s own Rival Bros. will make their mornings a little smoother. Made for both hot and cold drinks, it’s double-walled and spill-resistant — excellent for commutes, tailgates, or late-night deadlines. Rival Bros., founded by Philly chef Jonathan Adams and barista Damien Pileggi, is known for roasting some of the best beans in the city, so it’s fitting that their travel mugs carry the same quality.

      $34

      Buy from Rival Bros.

    • La Colombe Draft Latte cans

      For the friend who can never feel too far from Fishtown's caffeine headquarters

      Philly’s coffee pride and joy — La Colombe — nailed it when they canned their signature draft latte. These ready-to-drink cans deliver that same creamy, café-grade texture with a foamy top that somehow survives your morning commute. Available in classic, mocha, triple, and oat milk versions, they’re great for keeping in the fridge or tossing in your bag before work. Give them a taste of home (or a little taste of La Colombe on the go), because no one should have to settle for sad office coffee again.

      From
      $7.76

      Buy from AmazonBuy from La Colombe

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    For the Fitness Buff

    • Five Iron golf lesson

      For the friend who swears they’re “this close” to breaking 90

      Give their swing the tune-up it deserves with a one-hour golf lesson at Five Iron Golf, the city’s sleek, high-tech golf hub with locations in Fishtown, Logan Square, and Rittenhouse. Each lesson pairs them with a certified instructor who uses simulator data, video playback, and real-time feedback to help fine-tune their form — or at least stop slicing into the screen. Whether they’re a first-time golfer or a fairway regular, it’s the kind of gift that says, “I believe in your potential … but maybe not your current handicap.”

      $99

      Buy from Five Iron

    • Philadelphia Runner gift card

      For the friend who runs, walks, or is just trying to get their steps in

      Help them hit the pavement in style with a Philadelphia Runner gift card, good for shoes, gear, and race-day essentials. Whether they’re training for the Broad Street Run, chasing their first 5K, or just need a comfortable pair of sneakers for dog walks, this local shop’s experts make finding the right fit easy. With locations across the city and an unbeatable local reputation, it’s a gift that goes the distance.

      From
      $5

      Buy from Philadelphia Runner

    • Stanley water bottle in (almost) Kelly green

      For the friend who likes to stay hydrated

      Stanley’s viral water bottles finally meet Philly spirit in this Kelly green edition — OK, it’s technically “meadow,” but close enough. The 30-ounce stainless-steel tumbler keeps drinks ice-cold for hours and fits perfectly in a car cup holder (yes, even when navigating Broad Street traffic). It’s durable, dishwasher-safe, and built for long days at work or tailgates.

      $35

      Buy from AmazonBuy from Stanley

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    For the One Who Has It All

    • Rescue Spa gift card

      For the friend who needs a facial more than another candle

      If “self-care” in Philly had a headquarters, it would be Rescue Spa. Their gift cards can be used for everything from expert facials and massages to manicures and luxe skin treatments — the kind that make you feel like a brand-new person afterward. Services start at $35 and go up to full-on luxury treatments, so whether you’re gifting a quick glow-up or an all-day spa escape, it’s a loving way to say: “You’ve earned this.”

      From
      $35

      Buy from Rescue Spa

    • Astrology reading with Corina Dross

      For the friend who blames Mercury retrograde for everything

      Help them align their stars with a personalized astrology reading from Corina Dross, a Philly-based astrologer and artist known for her intuitive, poetic approach. Choose between a birth chart reading that explores life themes, timing, and purpose, or a relationship reading that dives into the cosmic dynamics between partners or friends. Corina’s readings are equal parts spiritual reflection and gentle therapy session — the kind that leave you journaling long after.

      From
      $225

      Buy from Flax and Gold Astrology

    • LOVE Statue Christmas tree ornament

      For the friend who keeps Philly in their heart (and on their tree)

      Bring a little piece of the Parkway home with this porcelain LOVE Statue ornament, inspired by Robert Indiana’s iconic sculpture in JFK Plaza. Lightweight, glossy, and unmistakably Philly, it’s the perfect accent for anyone nostalgic for the city skyline or annual holiday strolls through Dilworth Park. It’s small, affordable, and the kind of thing that becomes a yearly “front and center” favorite on the tree.

      $13.99

      Buy from Amazon

    • The Philly Tarot Deck

      For the friend who sees the future — and prefers it with a soft pretzel

      This locally illustrated tarot deck reimagines classic cards through the lens of everyday Philly: the Chariot becomes the El, the Sun shines over FDR Park, and the Tower? Of course, the Comcast Center. The art is as gorgeous as it is clever, plus, it doubles as a conversation piece on any coffee table.

      $42

      Buy from Philly Tarot Deck

    • Pizzeria Beddia’s hoagie-room experience

      For the friend who’s impossible to impress — until now

      Hidden behind the main dining room at Pizzeria Beddia in Fishtown sits one of Philly’s most exclusive tables: the Hoagie Room. This two-hour private dining experience is part dinner, part show — and all Philly. You’ll start with cocktails and small plates before watching one of Beddia’s hoagie masters build sandwiches on house-baked bread. Then come the signature pizzas, a magnum or two from Joe Beddia’s wine stash, and a swirl of soft serve to finish. It’s intimate, over-the-top in the best way, and guaranteed to make any food lover lose their mind.

      From
      $85

      Buy from Pizzeria Beddia

    • Frame Fatale gift certificate

      For the friend with a stack of prints still “waiting to be framed.”

      Give their walls the attention they deserve with a gift certificate to Frame Fatale, South Philly’s beloved frame shop that’s as much an art space as it is a workshop. The team there can frame just about anything — vintage concert posters, sports memorabilia, even that old Phanatic photo booth strip. Whether they’re moving into a new place or just tired of leaning art against the wall, this gift turns “someday” projects into finished pieces.

      From
      $25

      Buy from Frame Fatale

    • F*ck Dallas Mug

      For the friend who prefers caffeine with their trash talk

      A Philly classic, now in mug form. This ceramic “F*ck Dallas” mug from Old City’s Verde boutique says what every Eagles fan already feels — proudly, loudly, and without apology. Whether it’s for game-day coffee or Monday-morning recovery, it’s an unforgettable kitchen companion. It’s durable, dishwasher safe, and locally made.

      $16

      Buy from Verde

    • Tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show

      For the friend who’s ready to swap potholes for petals

      When winter in Philly starts to feel endless, the Philadelphia Flower Show is pure therapy. Give them a dose of green with tickets to this annual spectacle of blooms, installations, and floral art that transforms the Convention Center into a full-on paradise. Rooted, next year’s theme when the show returns Feb. 28-March 8, will be a place to wander, breathe, and maybe start believing in spring again.

      From
      $25

      Buy from Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

    • A craft workshop

      For the friend who’s always making something — or wants to start

      Philly is full of creative corners where you can learn just about any craft, from needlepoint to natural dyeing. Rittenhouse Needlepoint hosts hands-on workshops for beginners, while Wild Hand in Mount Airy offers everything from wheel spinning to basket weaving. At Modest Transitions, students can explore the art of botanical fabric-dyeing using plants and natural pigments. Gift a class (or a gift card) and you’re not just giving a new skill — you’re giving a creative outlet, a reason to unplug, and maybe a few new friends.

      Varies

      Buy from Rittenhouse NeedlepointBuy from Wild HandBuy from Modest Transitions

    • City of Brotherly Love basket

      For the friend who moved away but still talks about Wawa

      Send them a care package that tastes (and looks) like home. The City of Brotherly Love Basket from the Pennsylvania General Store is overflowing with Philly classics — from Tastykakes, Uncle Jerry’s Hard Pretzels, and Melrose Diner Butter Cookies to Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews, Mike & Ike’s, and Herr’s chips. There’s even a Philadelphia LOVE mug, a replica Liberty Bell, and a mini U.S. Constitution tucked inside for good measure. It’s the ultimate sampler of city pride — part snack stash, part nostalgia trip.

      $199.99

      Buy from Pennsylvania General Store

    • Cheese candles and carved-wood objects

      For the friend whose home always smells (and looks) amazing

      Father-and-sons team John, Dane, and Luciano Luttmann of Artifaqt are masters of craft, creating some of the most beautiful (and delightfully weird) home goods in the region. Their hand-poured candles, shaped like hyperrealistic corn cobs, cheese, tomatoes, and other produce, are local favorites at the Rittenhouse Farmers Market. Each one is made with sustainably sourced, Pennsylvania-based materials, and the corn looks so real you’ll want to butter it. Beyond candles, Artifaqt’s hand-carved wood bowls and smallwares are functional sculptures — warm, organic pieces crafted from local woods that make every table setting feel thoughtful and one-of-a-kind.

      Varies

      Buy from Artifaqt

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    For the Pet Lover

    • Pet portrait session

      For the friend whose camera roll is 95% their pet

      Give their furry friend the supermodel treatment with a professional pet portrait session by Alexa Nahas, one of Philly’s top pet photographers. Known for capturing genuine personality — from head tilts to mid-zoomies — Alexa turns four-legged chaos into frame-worthy art. She'll come to your home, meet you outdoors around the city, and she works with dogs, cats, and even the occasional rabbit.

      From
      $200

      Buy from Alexa Nahas Photography

    • Retro Eagles dog or cat jersey

      For the friend whose pet has love for the Birds, too

      Let their dog or cat show team pride with this throwback Eagles jersey, complete with the vintage lettering. Available in multiple sizes for both cats and dogs, it’s the ultimate game-day look — or for getting compliments at the park.

      From
      $28.92

      Buy from AmazonBuy from Chewy

    • Grooming at Doggie Style Pets

      For the friend whose Philly pup or cat who deserves a spa day

      Treat your favorite four-legged Philadelphian to a fresh cut and a good scrub at Doggie Style Pets, with grooming services available for both dogs and cats. Their expert groomers handle everything from nail trims and baths to full-on makeovers, all while using gentle, pet-safe products. With locations across the city and a mission that supports local rescues, it’s a gift that pampers and gives back.

      From
      $70

      Buy from Doggie Style Pets

    • Melmo’s Dog Treats

      For the friend whose dog is basically family

      This Italian Market bakery is baking up treats fit for royalty — or at least the ruler of the living room. Melmo’s Dog Treats are handmade with natural ingredients and come in shapes ranging from bones to Phillies P’s, plus you can order custom dog cakes for birthdays, gotcha days, or just because they’re a good boy. It’s local, adorable, and guaranteed to get tails wagging.

      From
      $12

      Buy from Melmo's Dog TreatsBuy from Belleville Market

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    For the Homebody

    • 1,000-piece Philadelphia puzzle

      For the friend who loves a challenge (and the skyline)

      Give them a new way to admire the city with this 1,000-piece Philadelphia puzzle featuring an artful illustration of the skyline and iconic landmarks. Made in the U.S. by Lantern Press, the puzzle is printed on high-quality recycled board with crisp, vibrant color that’ll make them feel like they’re piecing together their own little Philly masterpiece.

      $29.99

      Buy from AmazonBuy from Lantern Press

    • Romance novel from Kiss & Tale

      For the friend who believes in happily ever afters

      At Kiss & Tale, Collingswood’s beloved romance-only bookstore, every shelf promises a little escapism — from sweeping fantasy worlds to slow-burn love stories and everything in between. Whether you’re shopping for someone who likes their love stories full of necromancy or nerds, this shop has a swoon for everyone — plus knowledgeable booksellers who’ll hand over their next obsession faster than you can say “one-bedroom trope.”

      From
      $18.99

      Buy from Kiss and Tale

    • Cranberry Birch candle

      For the friend who plays holiday music all year long

      Hand-poured in Philly, this Old City Candle Co.’s Cranberry Birch candle blends tart cranberry, birchwood, and a hint of citrus for a clean, festive scent that feels like winter in the city — minus the parking struggles. Made with soy wax and a cotton wick, it burns slow and bright, filling any room with that just-right seasonal warmth.

      From
      $26

      Buy from Old City Canning Co.

    • Figs & Pink Pepper candle

      For the friend whose home always smells like a good decision

      Mount Airy Candle Co.’s small-batch soy candles have scents inspired by comfort, craft, and a touch of city soul. A standout: Figs & Pink Pepper, a rich, layered blend of caramelized brown sugar, pink peppercorns, and dark musk that feels equal parts sophisticated and cozy — like a dinner party that lingers long after dessert. Each Mount Airy candle burns clean and long, with fragrances that fill a room without overwhelming it.

      From
      $24.50

      Buy from Mount Airy Candle Co.

    • Knitting workshop

      For the friend who always says they need a new hobby

      Loop, a cozy yarn shop on South Street, offers beginner-friendly knitting and crochet workshops where students can learn the basics (or finally master that tricky cable stitch). Each small-group class includes expert guidance, quality materials, and plenty of encouragement from fellow crafters.

      From
      $35

      Buy from Loop Yarn

    • Soft pretzel tea towel

      For the friend whose kitchen always smells like good food and a good time

      Nothing says Philly quite like a perfectly twisted, salt-covered soft pretzel — and this Soft Pretzel Tea Towel from Minor Details captures that spirit in style. The hand-drawn design breaks down every detail of the city’s signature snack — from the coarse salt to the figure-eight twist — all screen-printed in golden yellow ink on 100% organic, lint-free cotton. It’s as functional as it is fun: soft enough for drying dishes, sturdy enough for daily use, and pretty enough to hang on display.

      $22

      Buy from Minor Details

    • Cork & Candles gift card

      For the friend who loves a DIY night out

      At Cork & Candles, you don’t just buy candles — you make them. Guests sip wine or cocktails while choosing from more than 70 custom scents, blending their own signature fragrance, and pouring it into a jar to take home. With cozy, mood-lit studios in Center City, University City, Ardmore, and King of Prussia, it’s part creative therapy session, part night out.

      From
      $25

      Buy from Cork and Candles

    • Fat Marshmallow tallow soap

      For the friend who reads ingredient lists

      Philly chef–turned–soap maker Melissa Torre founded Vellum Street Soap Co. on the belief that great skin care shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. Her small-batch soaps, moisturizers, and candles are made using rescued ingredients from local restaurants and bakeries — think coffee grounds, herbs, and even upcycled animal fats — turning what would’ve been waste into something luxe and sustainable. Her best-selling Fat Marshmallow soap blends biocompatible tallow, vanilla bean, marshmallow root, and honey. Torre’s work proves that skin care can be local, ethical, and a little bit indulgent.

      $12

      Buy from Vellum Street Soap Co.

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    For the Trendsetter

    • Freedom unisex fragrance

      For the friend who values scent as much as style

      Crafted by Philly-based perfumer Alex Rodriguez, Freedom by RDZ Parfums is a daring unisex fragrance inspired by the Liberty Bell that walks the line between bold and subtle. With top notes that evoke open skies and base notes that rest on warm skin, it’s meant to be a signature, not just a spray. Encased in a sleek 100-mL bottle, it’s a local luxury gift that smells like confidence and leaves a quiet trail of intention.

      $160

      Buy from RDZ Parfums

    • Made by Hank bag

      For the friend who wears their Philly grit on their sleeve — and their shoulder

      Handmade by Philly artist and former restaurant worker Katie Henry, Made by Hank bags have become a bona fide local obsession. Crafted from durable duck canvas (sourced from one of only two mills left in the U.S.) and adorned with Henry’s signature triangle patterns, each bag is stitched in her South Philly studio — and spotted everywhere from Palizzi Social Club to Paris. They’re the kind of accessory that tells a story: a little tough, a little soft, and entirely Philly.

      From
      $89

      Buy from Made by Hank

    • L. Priori Jewelry

      For the friend who wears her heart and city in every piece

      Lauren Priori’s collection is handcrafted in Rittenhouse and owned by women who know what real style means. Whether it’s earrings, rings, or layered necklaces, each piece brings modern elegance with personal touches — like subtle engravings, gemstones with local stories, or minimalist shapes that carry weight. Give them something that’s more than adornment — it’s identity.

      From
      $80

      Buy from L. Priori Jewelry

    • Taylor and Travis engagement crewneck

      For the friend who is a Swiftie and finds comfort in cashmere

      Lingua Franca’s new hand-embroidered sweater is an ode to the love between Berks County’s most famous local — Taylor Swift — and Jason Kelce’s brother. The English teacher x gym teacher crewneck is made from sustainably sourced cashmere and comes in eight color options. The next-best thing to being invited to the wedding, basically.

      $380

      Buy from Lingua Franca

    • Philadelphia skyline triptych wall art

      For the friend who has a great view of the Ben Franklin Bridge

      This vibrant, three-panel Philadelphia skyline print turns any wall into a love letter to the city. Each 16×16-inch canvas is stretched over a solid wood frame and ready to hang — no framing fuss required. The bold colors and crisp skyline lines make it a perfect statement piece for a living room, office, or that one blank wall begging for some Philly pride. It’s lightweight, durable, and easy to clean (because life happens).

      $42.90

      Buy from Amazon

    • Korean-inspired skin care

      For the friend who treats skin care like self-care (and science)

      Founded by Adeline Koh and based in South Philly’s Bok Building, Sabbatical Beauty blends the effectiveness of Korean skin care with the heart of small-batch, handmade production. Their products — including the favorite Cleansing Oil — are crafted with high concentrations of active ingredients designed to actually work. You can email the team for personalized product recommendations based on your skin type and concerns, making it feel like your own skin care concierge service.

      From
      $25

      Buy from Sabbatical Beauty

    • Tickets to the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention

      For the friend who wears their story on their skin

      This one’s for the ink lovers. The Philadelphia Tattoo Convention brings together hundreds of tattoo artists from around the world — plus live demos, contests, and enough buzzing needles to make your mom nervous. It returns Jan. 23-25 to the Convention Center. Whether they’re adding to their sleeve or just dreaming about their first piece, they’ll find endless inspiration (and maybe their next artist).

      From
      $25

      Buy from Villain Arts

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    How we decided our gift guide categories

    Our Philadelphia gift categories are defined by the specific interests, hobbies, and unique lifestyles of the recipients, often incorporating strong elements of local Philadelphia pride and culture. Our list curates recommendations based on the receiver’s likes and tastes, from gifts for kids and gifts for pet lovers to gifts for Philly sports fans and food fanatics. If you’re looking for a gift for your mom, you can find that here, but you’ll have to know what she likes. We asked our staff to recommend their ideal Philly gifts, and from that list, came up with nine different categories: the Foodie, the Sports Fanatic, the Homebody, the Trendsetter, the Traveler, the Fitness Buff, the Pet Lover, the One Who Has It All, and the Kid. We included a mix of items and experiences, but the common theme is that they all integrate local Philadelphia identity, businesses, and specific city experiences into every category.

    Staff Contributors

    • Reporting: Sam Ruland
    • Design and Development: Levi Jiang
    • Editing: Evan S. Benn
    • Digital Design Editing: Sam Morris, Anton Klusener, Suzette Moyer
    • Styling: Julia Duarte, Emilie Fosnocht
    • Photography: Monica Herndon
    • Copy Editing: Brian Leighton
    • SEO Editing: Caryn Shaffer
    • Affiliate Coordination: Jennifer Friedman Perez

    Topics mentioned in this story

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  • After big wins Tuesday, Democrats think they can oust Brian Fitzpatrick. But the Bucks Republican is resilient.

    After big wins Tuesday, Democrats think they can oust Brian Fitzpatrick. But the Bucks Republican is resilient.

    Should last week’s election results make Brian Fitzpatrick nervous?

    Bucks County Democrats think so.

    The Republican lawmaker has been like Teflon in the 1st Congressional District, which includes all of Bucks County and a sliver of Montgomery County. He persistently outperforms the rest of his party and has survived blue wave after blue wave. First elected in 2016, he has remained the last Republican representing the Philadelphia suburbs in the U.S. House.

    But Democrats pulled something off this year that they hadn’t done in recent memory. They won each countywide office by around 10 percentage points — the largest win margin in a decade — and for the first time installed a Democrat, Joe Khan, as the county’s next top prosecutor.

    Now they are looking to next year, hopeful that County Commissioner Bob Harvie, the likely Democratic nominee, succeeds where Fitzpatrick’s past challengers have failed.

    “This year was unprecedented, and sitting here a year before the midterm, you have to believe that next year is going to be unprecedented as well,” State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, who is also the county party’s chair, said Wednesday.

    Eli Cousin, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, predicted a “perfect storm brewing for Democrats” to beat Fitzpatrick. “He and Trump’s Republican Party are deeply underwater with Bucks County voters; he has failed to do anything to address rising costs, and we will have a political juggernaut in Gov. Josh Shapiro at the top of the ticket,” Cousin said.

    There are several reasons Democrats may be exhibiting some premature confidence: Despite a spike in turnout for an off-year election, far fewer voters turn out in such elections than do in midterms. Fitzpatrick is extremely well-known in Bucks, where his late brother served before he was elected to the seat. He has won each of his last three elections by double digits.

    Just last year, President Donald Trump narrowly won Bucks County, becoming the first Republican presidential candidate to do so since the 1980s, and Republicans overtook Democrats in voter registrations last year.

    But Tuesday was a sizable pendulum swing in the bellwether. Some of the communities, like Bensalem, that drove Trump’s victory flipped back to blue.

    The last time Democrats had won a sheriff’s race in the county was 2017, a year after Trump was elected the first time. That year, Democrats won by smaller margins, and a Republican incumbent easily won reelection as district attorney. The following year, Fitzpatrick came the closest he has yet to losing a race, but still won his seat by 3 percentage points.

    This year’s landslide, Democrats say, is a warning sign.

    “There were Democratic surges in every place that there’s a competitive congressional seat, and that should be scaring the s— out of national Republicans,” said Democratic strategist Brendan McPhilips, who managed Democratic Sen. John Fetterman’s campaign in the state and worked on both of the last Democratic presidential campaigns here.

    “The Bucks County seat has always been the toughest, but it’s certainly on the table, and there’s a lot there for Bob Harvie to harness and take advantage of.”

    Bucks County Democratic Commissioner Bob Harvie speaks during an Oct. 5 rally outside the Middletown Township Police Department and Administrative Offices in Langhorne.

    Harvie, a high school teacher-turned-politician, leapt on the results of the election hours after races were called, putting out a statement saying, “There is undeniable hunger for change in Bucks County.”

    “The mood of the country certainly is different,” Harvie said in an interview with The Inquirer on Thursday. “What you’re seeing is definitely a referendum.”

    Lack of GOP concern

    But Republicans don’t appear worried.

    Jim Worthington, a Trump megadonor who is deeply involved in Bucks County politics, attributes GOP losses this year to a failure in mail and in-person turnout. Fitzpatrick, he said, has a track record of running robust mail voting campaigns and separating himself from the county party apparatus.

    “He’s not vulnerable,” Worthington said. “No matter who they run against him, they’re going to have their hands full.”

    Heather Roberts, a spokesperson for Fitzpatrick’s campaign, noted that the lawmaker won his last election by 13 points with strong support from independent voters in 2024 — a year after Democrats performed well in the county in another off-year election. She dismissed the notion that Harvie would present a serious challenge, contending the commissioner “has no money and no message” for his campaign.

    Fitzpatrick is also a prolific fundraiser. He brought in $886,049 last quarter, a large amount even for an incumbent, leading Harvie, who raised $217,745.

    “Bob Harvie’s not going to win this race,” said Chris Pack, spokesperson for the Defending America PAC, which is supporting Fitzpatrick. “He has no money. He’s had two dismal fundraising quarters in a row. That’s problematic.”

    Pack noted Harvie’s own internal poll, reviewed by The Inquirer, showed 57% of voters were unsure how they felt about him.

    “An off-off-year election is not the same as a midterm election,” Pack said, adding he thinks Fitzpatrick’s ranking as the most bipartisan member of Congress will continue to serve him well in Bucks County.

    “He’s obviously had well-documented breaks on policy with the Republican caucus in D.C., so for Bob Harvie to try to say Brian Fitzpatrick is super far right, no one’s gonna buy it,” Pack said. “They haven’t bought it every single election.”

    On fundraising, Harvie said he had brought in big fundraising hauls for both of his commissioner races, and said he would have the money he needed to compete.

    Of the four GOP-held House districts Democrats are targeting next year in the state, Fitzpatrick’s seat is by far the safest. That raises the question: How much money and attention are Democrats willing to invest in Pennsylvania?

    “Who’s the most vulnerable?” asked Chris Nicholas, a GOP consultant who grew up in Bucks County. The other three — U.S. Rep. Scott Perry and freshman U.S. Reps. Rob Bresnahan, in the Northeast, and Ryan Mackenzie, in the Lehigh Valley — won by extremely narrow margins last year. “If you’re ranking the four races, you have Rob Bresnahan at the top and Fitzpatrick at the bottom,” Nicholas said.

    National Democrats seldom invest as much to try to beat Fitzpatrick as they say they will, Nicholas said. And he pointed to 2018, a huge year for Democrats, when they had a candidate in Scott Wallace who was very well-funded, albeit far less known than Harvie, and still came up short.

    Democrats see Harvie as the best shot they have had — a twice-elected commissioner, with name ID from Lower Bucks County, home to many of the district’s swing voters. And the 1st District is one of just three in the country that is held by a Republican member of Congress where Vice President Kamala Harris won last year.

    And then there’s Shapiro, who Democrats think will give a boost to candidates like Harvie as he runs for reelection next year. Shapiro won the district by 20 points in 2022.

    Following the playbook used by successful candidates this year, Democrats are likely to argue to voters that Fitzpatrick has done little to push back on Trump — while placing cost-of-living concerns at the feet of the Republican Party.

    “A lot of people are, you know, upset with where we are as a nation,” Harvie said. “They grew up expecting that if you worked hard and played by the rules, you’d be able to have all the things you needed and have a good life. And that’s not happening for them.”

    The Trump effect

    Democrats won races in Bucks County, and across the country, this year by tying their opponents to Trump — a tactic that was especially effective in ousting Republican Sheriff Fred Harran, who partnered his office with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In recent cycles, that strategy has not worked against Fitzpatrick.

    “The big thing Democrats throw against Republicans is you’re part and parcel of Trump and MAGA, and Fitzpatrick voted against Trump,” Nicholas said.

    Over nearly 10 years in Congress, Fitzpatrick has been a rare Republican who pushes back on Trump, though often subtly. Fitzpatrick, who cochairs the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, was the lone Pennsylvania Republican to confirm former President Joe Biden’s electoral victory in 2020. A former FBI agent who spent a stint stationed in Ukraine, he is among the strongest voices of support for Ukraine in Congress, consistently pushing the administration to do more to aid the country as it resists a yearslong Russian invasion.

    Fitzpatrick was also one of just two House Republicans to vote against Trump’s signature domestic policy package, which passed in July. He voted for an earlier version that passed the House by just one vote, which Democrats often bring up to claim Fitzpatrick defies his party only when it has no detrimental impact.

    “He’s good at principled stances that ultimately do nothing,” said Tim Persico, an adviser with the Harvie campaign. “That is what has allowed him to defy gravity in the previous cycles. … Now the economy is doing badly. … People feel worse about everything, and Fitzpatrick isn’t doing anything to help with that. I think it makes it harder to defy gravity.”

    Trump has endorsed every Republican running for reelection in Pennsylvania next year except Fitzpatrick. While the Bucks County lawmaker has avoided direct criticism of the president, in an appearance in Pittsburgh over the summer, Trump characterized the “no” vote on the domestic bill as a betrayal.

    Fitzpatrick has faced more conservative primary challengers in the past, but no names have surfaced so far this cycle, a sign that even the more MAGA-aligned may see him as their best chance to hold onto the purple district.

    Keeping his distance from Trump, and limiting Democrats’ opportunities to tie the two together, may remain Fitzpatrick’s best path forward.

    “Anybody who wants to align themselves with an agenda of chaos and corruption and cruelty ought to be worried,” said Khan, Bucks County’s new district attorney-elect.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Democrats sweep Delaware County Council election centered on rising property taxes

    Democrats sweep Delaware County Council election centered on rising property taxes

    Democrats swept Delaware County Council elections for the fifth consecutive election, further solidifying their dominance in the former Republican stronghold in the suburbs.

    Council member Richard Womack won a second term Tuesday, while his running mate, County Controller Joanne Phillips, was elected to her first term on the council. The Democrats overcame a Republican campaign focused on rising taxes under the council’s current leadership.

    In statements early Wednesday morning, the Democrats thanked their supporters.

    “I will continue to work hard and fight for the residents in our County. I look forward to working together with all parties to make Delaware County one of the strongest counties in the Commonwealth,” Womack said in a statement.

    With all but one precinct reporting Wednesday, Republican challengers Brian Burke and Liz Piazza each trailed Womack and Phillips by roughly 50,000 votes.

    In a statement Wednesday, Frank Agovino, the chair of the Delaware County GOP, said it appeared local issues were a “secondary concern” for Democrats this year.

    “The State wide retention initiative was uncharted waters and it feels as though Dem turnout was positively impacted. Additionally, the Unrealistic disdain for the President from the majority of Democrats was also an undeniable factor,” Agovino wrote.

    Democrats have held all five seats on the Delaware County Council since 2020, when the party took control of the county for the first time since the Civil War. Democrats flipped the county as part of a national trend of suburbs shifting left, which was accelerated during President Donald Trump’s first term in office. With Tuesday’s results, they will keep their supermajority for the next two years.

    In the years since Democrats took control in Delaware County, they say they have worked to enhance county services and repair infrastructure. That has included establishing a health department — Delaware County was the largest county in Pennsylvania without one at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic — and de-privatizing the county prison following a series of scandals.

    Last year, the county increased property taxes 23%, citing the loss of federal pandemic relief dollars and inflation driving up salaries. Republicans made that increase the base of their campaign, telling voters that the Democrats were overspending and that more tax increases were on the way.

    Republicans wanted voters to give the GOP a voice on the board, even though the party wouldn’t have the majority, to push back on budgetary decisions and hold the Democrats accountable.

    But in the heavily Democratic county, that message was not enough to sway the independent and Democratic voters Republicans needed to win seats. Instead, voters demonstrated continued trust in the current county leadership.

    “I truly respect Richard and Joanne as members of Council and hope they will listen to the voices of our residents and help bring to light some of their concerns,” Piazza said in a statement Wednesday.

    On Election Day, Donald and Esther Newton, a Chester couple who have been married for more than 55 years, said they believed it was about time their city received more care and investment through property taxes.

    “Our infrastructure needs to be fixed, and that takes money,” Esther Newton said.

    Democrats swept all countywide races Tuesday. District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, who was among the first Democrats to win countywide office in Delaware County, won a seat on Delaware County Court. He will have to step down from his current role to take the seat.

    Staff writer Nate File contributed to this article.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Bucks Sheriff-elect Danny Ceisler says he’ll act quickly to end controversial ICE alliance

    Bucks Sheriff-elect Danny Ceisler says he’ll act quickly to end controversial ICE alliance

    Bucks County voters on Tuesday did what protest and legal action could not, halting a controversial sheriff’s office alliance with ICE by electing a Democrat who has pledged to end the partnership.

    Sheriff-elect Danny Ceisler said Wednesday that he will issue a moratorium barring deputies’ cooperation with ICE on his first day in office. From there, he said, he will figure out how to disentangle the sheriff’s office from the agreement signed by his predecessor.

    Ceisler beat incumbent Republican Fred Harran by more than 10% of the vote in unofficial returns.

    Ceisler and a cadre of immigration activists ― who saw an ACLU-led lawsuit falter ― had portrayed the election as the last chance to kill the affiliation, after a Bucks judge ruled last month that it had been legally implemented and could proceed.

    Ceisler, an Army veteran who held a public-safety leadership post in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration, pledged during his campaign to “end this deportation partnership once and for all” if elected.

    Army veteran Danny Ceisler won the hotly contested Bucks County sheriff race Tuesday night.

    Harran, who led the Bensalem Police Department before being elected sheriff four years ago, said Wednesday that Ceisler will “have to answer for a person who becomes victimized by an individual that should have been deported. And he’ll have to sleep with that, and it’ll be on his head, not mine.“

    His said his plans around the program had been misrepresented.

    “Everyone knows my intentions. It was never making car stops on people who were dark-colored. My career speaks for itself in terms of my partnerships with the community.”

    He had staunchly defended his decision to assist ICE, insisting it would make residents safer and even potentially bring new funding and police equipment to the county.

    Ceisler called immigration the single biggest issue in this election.

    “My goal was to provide an alternative which was a no-nonsense, reasonable approach to public safety,” Ceisler said Wednesday, noting that it was now “my responsibility to deliver on that.”

    Officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to comment.

    The partnership, which recently became active after months of planning, provoked backlash, including the lawsuit, public demonstrations outside the courthouse, and a repudiation by the Democratic-led Bucks County Board of Commissioners.

    Nationally, only a few police agencies that signed on with ICE have dropped out of those agreements.

    Ceisler’s victory was part of a Democratic sweep of county positions in a critical swing county that narrowly voted to elect President Donald Trump last year.

    “I am walking on air,” said Laura Rose, a leader of Bucks County Indivisible, which supports immigrants and progressive causes. “Bucks County voters soundly rejected Sheriff Harran and his plan to turn county deputies into de facto ICE agents.”

    In the spring, Harran and ICE officials signed what is called a 287(g) agreement, named for a section of a 1996 immigration law. It enables local police to undergo ICE training, then assist the agency in identifying, arresting, and deporting immigrants.

    “Ceisler’s victory proves what we’ve always known ― 287(g) agreements don’t make us safer, they divide our community,” said Diana Robinson, co-executive director of Make the Road Pennsylvania, a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

    The agreement with ICE “put Bucks County at risk,” and the election showed that “voters reject fear-based policies,” she said Wednesday.

    Robinson and other opponents insist that turning local officers into immigration agents breaks community trust with the police and puts municipal taxpayers at risk of paying big legal settlements. ICE officials, however, say the program helps protect American communities, a force-multiplier that adds important staff strength to an agency workforce that numbers about 20,000 nationwide.

    The number of participating police agencies has soared under Trump, with ICE having signed 1,135 agreements in 40 states as of Wednesday. Seven states, including New Jersey and Delaware, bar the agreements by law or policy.

    The number of new agreements increases almost every day, and Trump has pushed hard for greater local involvement. On his first day in office he directed the Department of Homeland Security to authorize local police to “perform the functions of immigration officers” to “the maximum extent permitted by law.”

    Shortly before the government shutdown, ICE was poised to begin backing its recruitment efforts with money, announcing that it would reimburse cooperating police agencies for costs that previously had been borne by local departments and taxpayers.

    But activists focused on the difference between what Harran said he intended to do and the much broader powers conferred within the agreement with ICE.

    Harran signed up for the “Task Force Model,” the most far-reaching of the three types of 287(g) agreements. It allows local police to challenge people on the streets about their immigration status and arrest them for violations.

    Harran said his deputies would not do that. Instead, he said, they would electronically check the immigration status of people who have contact with the sheriff’s office because of alleged criminal offenses. Those found to be in the country illegally would be turned over or transported to ICE, if the federal agency desires, he said.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Downingtown elects Erica Deuso, Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor

    Downingtown elects Erica Deuso, Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor

    Erica Deuso will be Pennsylvanias first openly transgender mayor. She won Tuesday’s contest to lead Downingtown after a campaign focused on bread-and-butter local issues in the face of attacks to her identity.

    The longtime Democratic advocate who works in management at a pharmaceutical company earned 64% of the vote as of Wednesday morning defeating Republican Rich Bryant who had 35% of the vote to serve as the next mayor of Downingtown, a Chester County borough of roughly 8,000 people.

    “Voters chose hope, decency, and a community where every neighbor matters,” Deuso said in a statement at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. “I am honored to be elected as Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor. I carry that responsibility with care and with purpose.”

    Deuso joins a small but growing rank of transgender officials in Pennsylvania and nationwide. There are 52 out transgender elected officials across the United States and three in Pennsylvania, all who govern at the local level , according to the Victory Institute, the research arm of the Victory Fund, which supports LGBTQ+ candidates and backed Deuso.

    While her gender identity attracted attention, and online vitriol, Deuso’s campaign didn’t dwell on it. Instead she prioritized public safety, sustainable growth and community in the historic borough now home to Victory Brewing.

    She ran with the support of the borough’s last two mayors, Democrats Phil Dague and County Commissioner Josh Maxwell.

    Bryant, a retired cybersecurity expert, argued he was better experienced for the job, which primarily leads the borough police department. But Bryant faced accusations of bigotry as Deuso posted screenshots online of her opponent making misogynistic and transphobic remarks on X, (Bryant said 90% of the posts were AI-generated, but offered no proof.)

    In a statement, Bryant congratulated Deuso and pledged to continue working to serve the community.

    “To those who voted differently, I respect your decision and share your hope for a stronger, safer, and more united Downingtown. I will continue to serve, to listen, and to advocate for responsible growth, fiscal transparency, and accountable local leadership,” he said.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Democrats sweep Bucks County law enforcement races, ousting a sheriff who sought controversial ICE partnership

    Democrats sweep Bucks County law enforcement races, ousting a sheriff who sought controversial ICE partnership

    Democrats swept two law enforcement races in Bucks County, ousting the incumbents and signaling the swing county has soured on President Donald Trump just a year after voting for him.

    Democrat Danny Ceisler, an Army veteran who held a public safety role in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration, led Republican Sheriff Fred Harran by 12 percentage points with all precincts reporting Wednesday morning. The sheriff race centered on Harran’s controversial decision to partner his agency with ICE as Trump ramps up immigration enforcement nationwide.

    And former Bucks County Solicitor Joe Khan led Republican District Attorney Jen Schorn by eight percentage points. Democrats believe Khan is the first member of their party to ever be elected to the office.

    Bucks County Democrats declared victory just after midnight Wednesday morning — sweeping every countywide race. The victories came in what appeared to be a blue wave election as voters rejected Republican candidates in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia.

    “What’s going on with our federal government is not normal, and voters saw that creeping into local offices, and they overwhelmingly rejected it,” Ceisler said Wednesday. “Bucks County doesn’t let extremism come inside.”

    The hotly contested Bucks County races centered on some of the most contentious issues in national politics — Trump, crime, and immigration. Democrats sought to paint the incumbents as Trumpian ideologues, while Republicans warned voters of an influx of “Philly crime” if Democrats took office, even as the violent crime rate in the city has dropped from its pandemic peak.

    Voters opted for a change, delivering both offices to Democrats and, as result, spelling the end to a controversial partnership between the sheriff’s office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Bucks was the only county in the Philadelphia area to go for Trump last year and will be a key battleground in 2026 when Shapiro runs for reelection. Tuesday’s wins will give Democrats momentum going into the midterms.

    Democrats, Khan said, had to work to prove to voters they could be trusted with public safety. They were aided by a favorable dynamic as voters rejected Trumpism.

    “It was a campaign not about attacking somebody else but, really, making really clear that we deserve better than what we’ve got,” Khan said.

    Voters at the polls persistently expressed frustration with Trump, and a sense that anyone from his party should not be trusted in office.

    “They’re subject to his control, regardless of how they feel on issues,” said Stephanie Kraft of Doylestown. “And that affects everything, from our local courts on up to the higher courts in the state.”

    Harran attributed the GOP losses to Democratic enthusiasm for retaining three left-leaning state Supreme Court justices.

    “We woke a sleeping giant. When I say ‘we,’ I don’t mean me; I mean the Republican Party at the state level,” Harran said Wednesday.

    “I also worry for Bucks County,” he added. “We’re going to have Philadelphia policies and politics in Bucks County, and that’s extremely dangerous.”

    Democrats control the Bucks County Board of Commissioners, but Trump narrowly won Bucks last year, marking the first time the purple county had gone for a Republican in the presidential race since the 1980s. There are more registered Republicans than Democrats in Bucks County, but Democrats hoped the president’s low approval ratings, and Harran’s decision to partner with ICE, would drive angry voters to the polls in high numbers.

    Joe Khan

    The effort succeeded, indicating that Bucks voters are already disenchanted with the president they voted for just a year ago. The vote may set off alarm bells among Republicans as they prepare for next year’s election, when Republican Treasurer Stacy Garrity seeks to oust Shapiro and Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick stands for reelection.

    The Democratic victory is “on everything that Trump is doing to undermine the institutions of democracy, but it’s also on Trump’s failure to really reverse inflation,” said State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, the chair of the Bucks County Democratic Party.

    Even so, for several voters, Harran’s partnership with ICE was the final straw.

    Jill Johnson worried it would result in the targeting of Latino citizens, including her half-Mexican son, who is away at college.

    “My biggest fear is that someone in a mask is going to come up and grab him because they think he’s here illegally,” Johnson said. “It’s scary. These are law-abiding people who have done nothing wrong.”

    The partnership, which recently became active after months of planning, provoked backlash, including a lawsuit, public demonstrations outside the courthouse, and a repudiation by the Democratic-led board of commissioners.

    Ceisler said Wednesday that he will issue a moratorium barring deputies’ cooperation with ICE on his first day in office. From there, he said, he will figure out how to disentangle the sheriff’s office from the agreement signed by his predecessor.

    For his part, Harran said Wednesday that Ceisler will “have to answer for a person who becomes victimized by an individual that should have been deported. And he’ll have to sleep with that, and it’ll be on his head, not mine.”

    Officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to comment.

    Harran, an outspoken Republican who endorsed Trump last year and frequently clashes with the Democratic commissioners, was elected sheriff in 2021 after more than a decade leading Bensalem’s police department.

    The Republican has expanded the role of the sheriff’s department, adding a K-9 unit and partnering with immigration officials, but faced criticism that he was failing to complete the basic duties of his job, such as executing warrants and protecting the courthouse.

    Ceisler advocated taking politics out of the office, saying he would focus on domestic violence and pledging to end the partnership with ICE. He argued his experience in the Army and in a public safety leadership post under Shapiro prepared him to serve as sheriff — though Harran argued Ceisler would be unprepared for the job, having never worked in a sheriff’s office or police department.

    “Being the sheriff isn’t on-the-job training,” Harran said at a Bristol polling place Tuesday. “You need knowledge and experience.”

    Ceisler said he had spoken to Harran after the results came in and the incumbent promised to assist with a smooth transition.

    Schorn, a veteran Bucks County prosecutor, lost in her bid for a full term after being appointed district attorney last year when her predecessor became a judge.

    She had been an assistant district attorney in the county since 1999, prosecuting some of the county’s most high-profile cases. When she became district attorney, Schorn started a task force in the county to investigate internet crimes against children.

    Khan, a former county solicitor and federal prosecutor, argued Schorn ran the office under “Trump’s blueprint” and criticized her decisions not to recuse herself when a Republican committeeperson was charged with voter fraud and not to prosecute alleged child abuse at Jamison Elementary School.

    Schorn has said she was unable to discuss the details of the Jamison Elementary School case due to rules governing prosecutors, but Khan argued her explanations were insufficient as parents sought answers.

    Meanwhile, Schorn accused her opponent, who had unsuccessfully run for Philadelphia district attorney and Pennsylvania attorney general, of playing politics when he understood the rules prosecutors were bound by.

    Schorn performed slightly better than her GOP counterparts in Bucks County on Tuesday. But, while many voters said they had no issue with Schorn’s policies, her political party was a turnoff.

    “I just feel the Democrats would be better right now; I’m down on all Republicans,” said Marybeth Vinkler, a Doylestown voter who said she had no problems with how Schorn had run the district attorney’s office. “Everything happening in D.C. is trickling down around us.”

    Schorn did not immediately comment on the results Wednesday.

    Jim Worthington, who has run pro-Trump organizations in Bucks County, said Republicans failed to turn out voters on Election Day even as data showed Democrats held a significant lead on mail voting ahead of Tuesday.

    “This is where the GOP was asleep at the wheel,” Worthington said.

    Traditionally, voters trust Republicans more with law and order. The resounding victories for Democrats defied that trend.

    “We now have an obligation to deliver and to show that Democrats can lead on the issue of safety,” Ceisler said.

    “The ball is in our hands, and we’re ready to run with it.”

    Staff writer Jeff Gammage contributed to this article.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • New Jersey will vote for a new governor. But the stakes go far beyond the Garden State.

    New Jersey will vote for a new governor. But the stakes go far beyond the Garden State.

    The eyes of the nation are on the Garden State.

    New Jersey voters will head to the polls tomorrow as America watches whether Republican Jack Ciattarelli pulls off an upset or Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill holds the line and gives her party something to celebrate ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

    The results of the tight race could be a barometer, nationally, for which party has an edge, and signal the type of messaging and candidate that can win over New Jersey voters in an increasingly purple state.

    The race has attracted national attention and resources from both parties — especially Democrats who see the seat as a critical opportunity to build momentum and safeguard the state from the policies of President Donald Trump.

    Republicans, meanwhile, see potential for a huge pickup in Ciattarelli’s third run for the office — this time buoyed by the momentum of a grassroots MAGA movement after Trump’s 2024 win — and the hope that some Democrats uninspired by Sherrill stay home or give the Republican a shot.

    Ciattarelli spent his final campaign week rallying with Puerto Rican voters in Passaic County and taking his “It’s Time” bus tour around the state. He held meet-and-greets, rallies, and diner stops over the weekend in Monmouth, Ocean, Union, and Bergen Counties.

    Sherrill, who would be only the second woman elected governor in the state should she prevail on Tuesday, rallied with former President Barack Obama on Saturday in Newark and with Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim on Sunday in Camden and Mount Laurel Township. The events followed a week that included a “Driving Down Costs” bus tour and appearances with former Transportation Secretary and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.

    Along with her promise to take on landlords “colluding to raise rents” and to tackle pharmaceutical prices, Sherrill reiterated her campaign promise to freeze utility rate hikes on her first day in office at the rally with Obama on Saturday.

    “New Jersey, I’m not playing,” she told the audience. “I’m not writing a strongly worded letter and I’m not starting up a working group. I am not doing a 10-year study. I’m declaring a state of emergency.”

    For decades, New Jerseyans had voted blue at the national level while electing Republicans to the governor’s mansion. Democrats have a voter registration advantage of about 850,000 voters in New Jersey, but 2.2 million voters are registered unaffiliated. And GOP registrations have outpaced Democratic ones since the 2024 presidential election, when Trump swung the state significantly redder, losing by only 6 points.

    The last gubernatorial battle in 2021 shocked many in the state when Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy won reelection by a slim, 3-point margin.

    A record amount of money has poured into the race in the expensive media market that overlaps with Philadelphia and New York City.

    Most polls have shown Sherrill with a single-digit edge, a lead that is within the margin of error in many of the surveys. However, a Quinnipiac University poll released Oct. 30 showed Sherrill leading by 8 points, outside of the survey’s margin of error. Emerson College, a respected firm found the race tied in two separate polls, one from September and another released on Thursday.

    Ashley Koning, the director of the Rutgers Center for Public Interest Polling, said either candidate has a “very plausible path to victory.”

    Democratic candidate for governor U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill poses with members of the Princeton College Democrats as she appears at a Mercer County Democrats GOTV Rally at the Mercer Oaks Golf Course in West Windsor Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. From left are: Julian Danoff; Michelle Miao; and Paul Wang. (The group’s motto: “Bringing blue values to the Orange Bubble.”)

    Dueling headwinds

    There are dueling headwinds at play in the contest for New Jersey governor, too. Both Trump and Murphy are unpopular with about half of New Jersey voters. New Jersey hasn’t elected the same party to a third term for the governorship since 1961, but Republicans have also not won the office while their party has held the White House since 1985.

    Once the votes are tallied in Tuesday’s election, New Jersey political history will be made either way.

    Democratic leaders have projected confidence despite tight polls and some concern Sherrill’s cautious campaign could fail to motivate voters.

    Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, said he expects the race to be a close win for Democrats, noting “a win is a win.”

    He resisted the critiques from some fellow Democrats that Sherrill played her campaign too safe, “in an era of brash bravado, machismo, and Donald Trump, and these candidates basically saying whatever the hell they want.”

    “I think what she’s been doing is putting out a pretty compelling message to New Jerseyans and campaigning everywhere to make sure that they understand what she’s focused on,” he said.

    The party’s vice chair, Pa. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D., Philadelphia) predicted a good night for Democrats in New Jersey. “There’s that famous saying that ‘Trenton makes, the world takes,’ and I think Trenton is going to make a lot of momentum that we are going to take into 2026 and beyond.”

    “I feel it, you know, I feel it on the ground,” said Sen. Andy Kim (D., N.J.) who campaigned with Sherrill in between fielding questions from fellow Democrats in Washington about what the race looks like back home.

    “Everyone I talked to knows what’s at stake,” Kim said.

    Chris Russell, Ciattarelli’s political strategist, argued that Ciattarelli has garnered support from voters who have traditionally supported Democrats by delivering them a clearer message on affordability.

    “We put a significant amount of time and resources, driven and led by Jack, to be present in minority communities like the Hispanic community and the Black community, and we believe that effort is going to pay off,” he said.

    Republican candidate for governor Jack Ciattarelli poses with members of the Pascucci family as he greets supporters at Palermo’s Pizza in Bordentown Monday, Oct.13, 2025 while campaigning in South Jersey.

    ‘A totally different vibe’

    As the candidates made their final burst of media appearances in the countdown to Election Day, Ciattarelli, in a town hall with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Thursday night, said the Republican campaign energy “is electric.” Ciattarelli said he was encouraged by early-vote and vote-by-mail numbers, which, while trailing Democrats, had surpassed 2021 GOP turnout numbers.

    “We go after those one out of four Republicans … who typically only vote in presidential years,” Ciattarelli said on Hannity’s program. “We’ve done a magnificent job, our local Republican organizations have, in getting those people to vote by mail or vote early.”

    State Sen. Latham Tiver, a South Jersey Republican, said Ciattarelli’s campaign stops are a “totally different vibe” than his last run in 2021. He recalls Ciattarelli introducing himself table to table, but now, Tiver said when the candidate enters the room, people flock to him.

    “Jack’s doing everything he can. … He’s pounding the pavement, he’s meeting more and more people, and we’re all out there doing the same thing for him,” Tiver said.

    In an otherwise sleepy election cycle, New Jersey and Virginia, also electing a governor this month, have the spotlight. Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court retention races have also garnered an outsized amount of attention for a judicial race and could be a bellwether for one of the nation’s largest battlegrounds.

    As the candidates make their final push to lead New Jersey, the outcome will likely depend on who shows up at the polls Tuesday.

    Both campaigns have motivated bases, but the election could come down to the less engaged and whether they decide to vote. Despite a record amount of spending in the state, only about 2% of voters remained undecided in polls.

    “I don’t think people give enough credit — pollsters, political wonks — to just how burnt out the average American is,” said Jackie Cornell, who previously ran field operations for Obama’s campaign in New Jersey.

    “They just don’t want to hear anything about any of this any more, and I worry that will be the deterrent more so than anything else.”

  • Why there’s less controversy — and less money — in this year’s school board races in Central Bucks and elsewhere

    Why there’s less controversy — and less money — in this year’s school board races in Central Bucks and elsewhere

    Personal attacks, political division, and culture wars have defined school board races in the Philadelphia suburbs in recent years.

    But 2025 feels different.

    Even as national politics are more divided than ever — and amid a federal shutdown and state budget standoff — local school board candidates from both parties are shying away from partisanship in favor of focusing on local issues like taxes and full-day kindergarten.

    The change in posture can be attributed to several factors — Republicans who ran on culture-war issues largely lost in 2023 and, while the GOP is now tackling those priorities from the federal level, local candidates said they cannot control what President Donald Trump does. Schools are also facing pressing fiscal issues amid state and federal budget cuts.

    There are some exceptions. In Souderton, candidates on the Republican slate say they want to maintain the district’s current policies that prevent transgender girls from playing sports and prioritize “parental rights” — stances Trump has also embraced. Some Democratic candidates, meanwhile, say Trump’s education policies, including plans to dismantle the federal Department of Education, motivated them to run.

    Still, those issues are not taking center stage across the Philadelphia collar counties.

    “School districts are struggling financially,” said Brittany Crampsie, a Democratic consultant. Parents “don’t want to have a debate about DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] anymore, they want to make sure their kids are getting a good education.”

    Moving on from ‘culture wars’ — for the most part

    Supporters cheer in 2023 before five new Central Bucks school members are sworn in. Democrats seized control of the board in a contentious race.

    Culture-war debates reached a fever pitch in the aftermath of COVID-19, as conservative parents voiced frustration over pandemic protocols and classroom curricula. Republicans in districts like Central Bucks won contentious races focused on those issues in 2021.

    Two years ago Central Bucks was again among the most closely watched races in the region, with spending surpassing $600,000. Democrats swept every open seat, ousting a conservative majority that had banned books and Pride flags in the district. Other suburban districts flipped to Democratic control as well.

    Now, candidates are steering clear of those hot-button topics.

    “My campaign is focused on academics, school taxes, and safety….these are the current issues of concern in Central Bucks,” Betty Santoro, a Republican, wrote in an email.

    The Democratic candidates for Central Bucks school board: Amanda O’Connor, Katrina Filiatrault, David Comalli, and Daniel Kimicata (left to right).

    Culture wars were a “distraction” from priorities for the district, said Daniel Kimicata, a Democrat running for reelection. Four of nine seats are on the ballot this year; Democrats will maintain their majority regardless of the outcome.

    Andrew Miller, a Republican running in Central Bucks, wrote in an email it’s good that things are quieter. “People are tired of the shouting and want results,” he wrote. “They want candidates who listen, not lecture and candidates who build bridges, not walls.”

    In Souderton — where Democrats say they are optimistic about their chances of gaining representation on the all-Republican board — the Republican platform also includes parental rights and student safety.

    Republican board president Stephen Nelson, who is running for reelection, said that culture-war topics are not an issue in the district, but that it would not allow transgender athletes to compete on girls sports teams should the situation arise. (The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association this year changed its transgender athlete policy to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order on “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”)

    “Why is that a question? It’s always been that way and we don’t quite understand why it has to be any different,” Nelson said.

    In Pennridge, where the board is Democratic-controlled, Republican candidates, in a statement, pushed back on the idea that school board races in the past centered on issues promoted by Republicans. Instead, they argued, GOP candidates were responding to Democratic-initiated policies and questioning some DEI policies and whether they were best for students.

    “Our intent was never to divide but to ensure that schools serve all students equally and that classroom priorities remain rooted in education, not ideology,” they said.

    Money, money, money

    This year, there is far less money flowing into school board races, though Central Bucks continues to attract outside fundraising.

    The Republican candidates for Central Bucks school board. Andrew Miller, Sharon Beck, Roman Szewczuk, and Betty Santoro (left to right).

    The 1776 Project PAC, a group supporting Republican school board candidates that has drawn ire from Democrats, has spent more than $86,000 on mailers and text messages in Bucks County. Approximately half that has gone toward supporting Central Bucks GOP candidates, with the rest going to candidates in Centennial School District and Pennridge, according to Bucks County campaign finance reports.

    The PAC has also spent more than $20,000 supporting candidates on Republican slates in Perkiomen Valley and Lower Merion, according to Montgomery County campaign finance filings.

    Democrats are also getting support from an outside group — Red Wine and Blue, a national group of suburban women that promotes Democratic candidates. The group has spent approximately $260 in Bucks County and $104 in Montgomery County school board races, according to county filings.

    In Bucks County, other races like district attorney and sheriff have drawn money and attention that might have otherwise gone to school boards, said Guy Ciarrocchi, a GOP analyst.

    “There’s a certain amount of fatigue that’s hitting a place like Bucks,” Ciarrocchi said.

    The Trump factor

    Democrats in suburban districts said they need to maintain majorities to best address the impacts of Trump administration policies.

    “When I realized the threat that public education was under, I decided now was the time that I had to run,” said Katrina Filiatrault, a Democrat running in Central Bucks.

    Judy Lofton, a Democrat running in Perkiomen Valley, said of her slate: “Our central unifying message is that we want to protect public education, that public education is currently under attacks from a variety of different stakeholders.”

    Republicans are striking a different tone.

    “We’re not focused on anything that’s going on outside of something that we don’t control,” said Jason Saylor, a Republican running for reelection in Perkiomen Valley. “We don’t control the federal government. We don’t control what might happen with the Department of Education. We don’t control issues at the state legislature.”

    In Souderton, controversy flared last year when Republican school board member Bill Formica made lewd comments about former Vice President Kamala Harris. He is still on the board and is not up for reelection this year.

    Residents protest at a Souderton school board meeting last year after board member Bill made a lewd social media post about then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

    “We’re talking to every voter who might be a Republican or an independent, and they’re sharing concerns at the doors about how they can’t vote for certain people anymore,” said Corinne DeGeiso, a Democrat running for the board.

    Nelson, the Republican school board president running for reelection, said Formica was protected by the First Amendment.

    His comments, Nelson said, were “rude, lewd, and unacceptable,” but there was nothing the board could do about it.

    Even in a less contentious election cycle, Chris Lilienthal, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Education Association, which tends to endorse Democratic candidates, said school board elections are more important than ever this year.

    “They’re holding the line right now in this budget impasse,” he said, “and that alone should merit the attention of voters.”

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

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    Know your news? Test your skills with our News Quiz.

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    News Quiz

    Think you know your news? There’s only one way to find out. Welcome back to our weekly News Quiz — a quick way to see if your reading habits are sinking in and to put your local news knowledge to the test.

    Question 1 of 10

    A series of train fires has prompted SEPTA to inspect its trains. The majority of its fleet is made up of this model train:


    Question 2 of 10

    East Passyunk’s Singing Fountain has been decorated by the local knitting collective for Halloween. With her new costume, what is the mermaid sculpture dressed as?

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    Question 3 of 10

    A new dog park opens in Manayunk soon, following the closure of Bark Social last year. What is it called?


    Question 4 of 10

    Stateside Brands, the local vodka distiller responsible for Surfside hard iced teas and lemonades, is suing Anheuser-Busch InBev. Stateside alleges that Anheuser-Busch’s own canned hard teas look “strikingly similar” to Surfside's. What is the competing beverage called?


    Question 5 of 10

    At Vare Rec Center, a team of young gymnasts in South Philly trains on heart and hustle, competing against private clubs with deeper pockets. Now, they’re crowdfunding to raise money for this item for competition:

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    Question 6 of 10

    ESPN is bringing back Funday Football during the Eagles’ Week 14 game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, where all the players will be transformed into popular characters in an alternate broadcast designed for kids. Which movie/show will this edition be based on?


    Question 7 of 10

    The most popular cat name in Philadelphia is tied with 54 cats each registered under the names Shadow and:


    Question 8 of 10

    Pennsylvania ranks among the worst states for jobs according to a new report by WalletHub that placed it in the No. 44 slot of all 50 states. Which state did even worse?


    Question 9 of 10

    K-9 Ron, a 3-year-old dog who was once scheduled to be euthanized, was officially sworn in Tuesday as a detection dog for the Delran Township Police Department. What breed is Ron?


    Question 10 of 10

    Rachel Millner, a Bucks County psychologist and advocate for fat liberation, has launched a campaign to become the first plus-sized cycling instructor for this company:


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    Staff Contributors

    • Reporting: Emily Bloch
    • Editing: Molly Eichel, Emily Babay, and Kim Lyons

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  • Erica Deuso’s campaign to be Pa.’s first trans mayor isn’t about that. It’s ‘about the neighbors.’

    Erica Deuso’s campaign to be Pa.’s first trans mayor isn’t about that. It’s ‘about the neighbors.’

    By most measures, Erica Deuso’s campaign for mayor of Downingtown is unremarkable.

    She spends Saturday mornings greeting residents at the farmers market and her weekend days knocking on doors in the Chester County borough. Most of the time, she’s talking about traffic and community events.

    Nevertheless, the effort is groundbreaking.

    If she is elected in the Democratic-leaning borough, Deuso would be the first openly transgender person elected mayor in Pennsylvania. She would do so as President Donald Trump’s administration pursues policies that limit public life for transgender residents and as Democrats’ vocal support for the community wanes in the aftermath of the 2024 election.

    Democratic supporters pose with current Downingtown Mayor Phil Dague, center, Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, center left, and mayoral candidate Erica Deuso, center right.

    For most voters, though, those facts didn’t even register.

    Deuso, who works in management at a pharmaceutical company, has lived in Downingtown for 18 years.

    She is a committeewoman in the local Democratic Party, and board member for Emerge Pennsylvania, which trains women and LGBTQ+ people to run for office. Her platform centers on traffic control, domestic violence, community engagement, and sustainable development.

    The Downingtown mayor has relatively limited power, overseeing the police department and acting as a tiebreaking vote on borough council. Deuso has promised not to sign an agreement between Downingtown police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and said she wants to work on enhancing mental health services for officers while expanding their reach in the community to address concerns over traffic violations and e-bikes.

    As she knocked on doors on a Saturday morning in October, Deuso’s gender identity rarely came up in her interactions with voters.

    “I’m not running on being trans, that’s not something I ever do or ever wanted to do. I wanted to make it about the neighbors,” Deuso said. “It’s the other side making it about who I am, my identity.”

    Going door-to-door looking for votes in Downingtown in October, Erica Deuso meets Nicole Flood at her door.

    The historic nature of her campaign has likely driven attention and funds to the race. She has earned endorsements from several organizations that back LGBTQ+ and women candidates. And she’s received donations from outside the state and outside Chester County, including a $3,000 donation from Greater Than PAC, which supports progressive women.

    But a scan of comments in community Facebook pages shows her identity has also driven more vitriol.

    “There are people who refuse to use my correct name or pronouns, they’ve deadnamed me, all those sorts of things. But it’s been 16 years since I transitioned; I don’t really care,” Deuso said. But she’s mindful that LGBTQ+ youth are watching her. She engages in some of the posts, but not all of them.

    “I want to handle it with grace.”

    Those efforts are already influencing at least one local teen. Nicole Bastida-Moyer, a 39-year-old voter, told Deuso her candidacy had inspired her 14-year-old daughter to volunteer to help other students with their mental health. Both she and her daughter are pansexual.

    “She deals with a lot of hate,” Bastida-Moyer said through tears about her daughter.

    “Having Erica’s voice, it means a lot,” Bastida-Moyer said.

    Nicole Bastida-Moyer gets a hug from Downingtown mayoral candidate Erica Deuso while campaigning in October.

    Impact on voters

    Deuso responds to comments on her Facebook page and other groups occasionally. She said she tends to do so only when she thinks a true conversation can come of it.

    Door-knocking in her neighborhood, Deuso encountered just one voter who appeared to be hostile to her because of her gender identity. When Deuso approached one house, a woman came to the door and glanced at the candidate and her fliers through the screen door without opening it.

    “I’m not voting for him,” the woman said. “For who?” Deuso asked as the woman turned and walked away.

    Episodes like this are relatively rare, Deuso said

    “People are generally much nicer in person than online,” said Jenn Fenn, who managed U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan’s 2024 reelection campaign in a district that includes Downingtown.

    Deuso’s opponent, Republican Rich Bryant, says he doesn’t condone those who attack Deuso based on her identity.

    But Deuso has shared several screenshots on social media that appear to show Bryant insulting transgender women and making misogynistic remarks about cisgender women. At a canvass launch at the local farmers market, the township’s current mayor, Democrat Phil Dague, referenced these posts while comparing Bryant to Trump.

    Current Downingtown Mayor Phil Dague talks with supporters for Erica Deuso listening at right. Saturday October 18, 2025.

    Bryant claimed 90% of these posts are AI-generated but refused to say which posts are real and which are fake.

    “I don’t like mud-slinging misinformation,” Bryant said. “I try to stay focused on what’s good for Downingtown.”

    Rich Bryant is running as a Republican for Downingtown mayor.

    He sought to present himself as better experienced than Deuso to be mayor, contending his career in cybersecurity has prepared him for the mayor’s primary duty of overseeing the local police department.

    Alice Sullivan, an 80-year-old neighbor and donor to Deuso, had noticed some of the nastiness on social media and said she was voting for Deuso because, unlike her opponent, she wasn’t a “bigot.”

    She lamented the online attacks against Deuso as disappointing — but unsurprising. The candidate’s gender identity shouldn’t matter, insisted Sullivan, who has lived in Downingtown for decades.

    “Other people’s lives, genders, whatever is not my business,” she said.

    Josh Maxwell, a Democratic county commissioner and former Downingtown mayor who had joined Deuso to knock doors, asked if Sullivan thought others would disagree in the historically Catholic community. But the people who cared, Sullivan argued, are “not going to vote Democrat anyway.”

    “There might be some,” she said. “I don’t know very many.”

    Campaigning in the west end of Downingtown Erica Deuso greets Alice Sullivan on Oct. 18.

    As Deuso walked door to door, her conversations focused on local and community issues. She greeted every dog she saw and spoke to their owners about their safety concerns — drivers had been racing down quiet neighborhood streets — and their concerns about the community. Deuso is proposing a program to offer hotel rooms for one night to those facing domestic violence.

    She also made it clear that she would be a resource, even on issues that went beyond the mayor’s official duties. She showed one voter how she had started a youth-driven art project at a recent township festival. And pointed to a home that, just weeks prior, she’d brought a misdelivered package to on behalf of a voter.

    For weeks, Raul Hurtado, Deuso’s neighbor who immigrated from Colombia in the 1990s, has been rolling down his windows when he sees Deuso, telling her he’s voting for her.

    “She is from this town, my neighbor, and we need someone to help us,” Hurtado told The Inquirer.

    If she’s elected, Deuso told Hurtado, her goal is to be available to all residents through office hours at Borough Hall.

    “We can have a face-to-face discussion,” she said. “Not through your car window.”

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.