Earlier this week, more than 100 citizens gathered at Max Meyers Playground in Northeast Philadelphia’s Castor Gardens for a debate hosted by Take Back Your Neighborhood, a local civic group. Two first-time candidates, Republican Sam Oropeza and Democrat Jimmy Dillion, sat down next to each other as Northeast Philadelphia voters prepare to go to the polls in the May 17 special election to fill the open PA-5 State Senate seat vacated by John Sabatina, Jr., now a Court of Common Pleas judge.
Jimmy Dillion introduced himself as “a member of Our Lady of Calvary parish and a graduate of Holy Ghost Prep.” A former Notre Dame basketball player and current local basketball coach, Dillion has been an employee of the Philadelphia school district for 15 years. He replaced his older brother, leader of Ward 66A Shawn Dillion, on the ballot after the older Dillion withdrew his candidacy on April 4 in light of a court challenge.
Sam Oropeza, a trade school graduate and former professional MMA fighter, opened his presentation by highlighting key issues: “Philly residents are fed up with out-of-control crime, failing schools, and out of control quality of life.” A River Ward resident and real estate professional, Oropeza stressed that he “will work with anybody.”
The odds against Oropeza are steep. The 5th District has been held by Democrats since Somerton resident Hank Salvatore’s retirement in 2001. This special election is the first time the seat has been seriously contested since 2016, when Ross Feinberg won almost a third of the vote. If Oropeza could reach 40%, it would be a political earthquake in Philadelphia.
Oropeza and Dillion debated issues including crime, education, and quality of life. Nancy Ostroff, a retired Philadelphia school teacher who joined Take Back Your Neighborhood to push for legislation for children with disabilities, served as a firm but respectful moderator. She highlighted key local problems such as accessibility for the disabled, abandoned autos (over 34,000 in the city), absentee landlords, noise disturbances from fireworks to loud music, and unlicensed ATV drivers (the mention of which drew hearty “amens” from the crowd).
Both candidates spoke in favor of trade programs, with Oropeza noting “we’re losing a whole generation of working age men to drugs.” At other times, the candidates emphasized their differences. On education, Dillion called for an “even balance” between charters and public schools. Oropeza disputed Dillion’s premise, stating: “I don’t believe the problems public schools are having are because of charter schools.”
The debate was contentious at times. Oropeza drew loud applause with every verbal punch he landed against Philadelphia district attorney Larry Krasner’s “total lack of support for law enforcement.” Dillion distanced himself from the local Democratic establishment, declaring that he does not support Krasner or Mayor Jim Kenney and that he backed Carlos Vega in the DA primary last year. A local woman challenged Oropeza on his relatively recent move to the district and the fact that the seat of his current home in the River Wards will soon be redrawn.
Oropeza’s fiancée, Amanda, told me after the debate: “When Sam said he wanted to move to the city . . . he was insistent. He believes there can be change. He has a big heart and wants to help. We’re not going anywhere. He has knocked on over 3,000 doors and wants to talk to people. If you’re even asking that question, you don’t know Sam.”
The culture war made brief appearances. Both successful athletes, the candidates found common ground on the issue of trans women in sports. Dillion said, “how you were born is the sport you should be competing in,” with Oropeza concurring: “yes, obviously.” The Supreme Court’s Dobbs case was brought up briefly, with Dillion taking a position in favor of safe, legal, and rare abortion, to moderate applause, while Oropeza discussed his Catholic values before declaring, “to answer your question, I’m pro-life” to resounding applause.
Dillion concluded by noting his ability to work with local leaders and stressing his deep community ties. “This is my home,” he said. “This is my community.” He reiterated his stance on crime: “strong on safe neighborhoods, supporting our police.”
Oropeza concluded by addressing his uphill odds, telling the crowd that supporting him is “not throwing away your vote . . . [but] sending a message to the political establishment.” He elaborated: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.” Oropeza delivered a rare direct jab at Dillion just before the end, calling him “part of the team that has gotten us into this mess.”
The 27th Ward Republican leader, J. Matthew Wolfe, who was in attendance, told me afterward: “Sam’s passion came through. They are both competent guys, but Sam is the one who cares.”
The names Donald Trump and Joe Biden went unspoken all night, even in my conversations with attendees after the debate. The moderator noted: “We didn’t discuss the war; we didn’t discuss Washington. We discussed the things that are local to us.” With their poise, deep concern for Northeast Philadelphia, and fresh ideas, these two young, first-time candidates present a hopeful contrast with the dispiriting theater of our national politics.
Joseph Picozzi is the senior adviser for strategic planning at the Manhattan Institute. A southeastern Pennsylvania native, he previously worked for House Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and the Republican National Committee. He graduated from Georgetown University in 2017.