Last week, residents in Kensington and the surrounding neighborhoods re-elected U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Pennsylvania State Senator Nikil Saval, and Pennsylvania State Rep. Joe Hohenstein.
Democrats Saval and Hohenstein ran uncontested. Boyle, also a Democrat, defeated Republican challenger Aaron Bashir with 71% of the vote.
Kensington Voice reached out to each official for their perspective on the election results and what their re-elections mean for the community.
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle
Boyle represents Philadelphia’s 2nd Congressional District.
“I'm going to get up every day and continue fighting for every single one of our neighborhoods — from Kensington and Fishtown to North Philly and the Northeast,” Boyle wrote in an email. “We all owe our thanks to every single person who puts in the work to keep our democracy strong.”
Click here for more information about Boyle, including how to get in touch.
PA State Sen. Nikil Saval
Saval represents Pennsylvania’s 1st Senatorial District.
"As our institutions falter, this work only grows more urgent," Saval wrote in an email to Kensington Voice.
Saval emphasized the collective responsibility to protect communities and the environment, calling for solidarity in public wellbeing. He noted the widespread desire to safeguard loved ones, neighborhoods, and natural spaces as a shared value across the city, state, and nation.
He also emphasized the need for unified action to shield vulnerable communities from harm and to build a future that meets the needs and hopes of all residents.
“We will fight with all our might to keep vulnerable communities from harm,” wrote Saval. “And we will endeavor tirelessly to build a world that meets the needs and the hopes of all our residents.”
Click here for more information about Saval, including how to get in touch.
PA State Rep. Joe Hohenstein
Hohenstein, who represents Pennsylvania’s 177th District, urged community members to take the time they need to process recent events, acknowledging that many will need to rest before returning to action. However, he emphasized that at some point, gathering and focusing on “direct, concrete actions” would be essential for meaningful progress.
Hohenstein, who is the parent of a person who is trans and is an advocate for people with disabilities, highlighted his commitment to representing all constituents, regardless of how they voted. He stressed the need to support those who feel marginalized, especially groups targeted by aggressive policies. Hohenstein views each vote as an attempt to be heard and promises his continued dedication, noting that even as government structures shift, the sense of community built around shared values and inclusivity remains resilient.
Hohenstein also emphasized the historical ebb and flow of American politics, likening this period to previous shifts toward greater inclusivity, as seen in movements over the last several decades.
“Even through all that trouble, there’s been an arc of progress present,” he said, encouraging younger people to join in that forward momentum.
Hohenstein said that as “an ally,” he needs to be “willing to take a risk.”
“Allies are always ready to take the risk with them; that is what allies are going to need to do.”
Click here for more information about Hohenstein, including how to get in touch.
