Alfe Goodwin

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Alfe Goodwin

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Franklin Learning Center High School

Associate

Community College of Philadelphia, 1994

Bachelor's

Thomas Edison State University, 2006

Graduate

United Lutheran Seminary, 2010

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Army Reserve

Personal

Birthplace

Philadelphia, Pa.

Religion

Anglican

Profession

Teacher

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Twitter

Campaign YouTube

Campaign TikTok

Personal Facebook

Personal Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Alfe Goodwin (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Goodwin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Alfeia DeVaughn-Goodwin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She began serving in the United States Army in 2001. She earned a bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State University in 2006 and a graduate degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in 2010. Her career experience includes working as a police officer, army chaplain, ordained minister, and teacher. She has been affiliated with Girl Scouts of America, Missio Mosiac Anglican American Mission, and Military Chaplains Association.

Elections

2024

See also: Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District election, 2024

Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (April 23 Republican primary)

Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (April 23 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5

Incumbent Mary Gay Scanlon defeated Alfe Goodwin in the general election for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mary Gay Scanlon (D)	65.2	267,754
		Alfe Goodwin (R)	34.6	142,355
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	828

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 410,937
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5

Incumbent Mary Gay Scanlon advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5 on April 23, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mary Gay Scanlon	99.2	70,068
		Other/Write-in votes	0.8	555

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 70,623
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5

Alfe Goodwin advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5 on April 23, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Alfe Goodwin	98.5	37,361
		Other/Write-in votes	1.5	558

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 37,919
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Dasha Pruett (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Goodwin in this election.

2023

See also: Pennsylvania state legislative special elections, 2023

General election

Special general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163

Heather Boyd defeated Katie Ford and Alfe Goodwin in the special general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163 on May 16, 2023.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Heather Boyd (D)	60.2	9,415
		Katie Ford (R)	38.6	6,040
		Alfe Goodwin (L)	1.2	194

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 15,649
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2022

State House

See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2022

General election

General election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163

Incumbent Michael Zabel defeated Kenneth P. Rucci and Alfe Goodwin in the general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Michael Zabel (D)	65.0	16,448
		Kenneth P. Rucci (R)	33.4	8,450
		Alfe Goodwin (L)	1.6	399

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 25,297
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163

Incumbent Michael Zabel advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163 on May 17, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Michael Zabel	100.0	5,678

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,678
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Felecia Coffee (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163

Kenneth P. Rucci advanced from the Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163 on May 17, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kenneth P. Rucci	100.0	4,949

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,949
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Alfe Goodwin (R)

U.S. House

See also: Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5

Incumbent Mary Gay Scanlon defeated David Galluch and Robert Margus in the general election for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mary Gay Scanlon (D)	65.1	205,128
		David Galluch (R)	34.9	110,058
	Submit photo	Robert Margus (L) (Write-in)	0.0	0

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 315,186
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5

Incumbent Mary Gay Scanlon advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5 on May 17, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mary Gay Scanlon	100.0	79,816

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 79,816
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Louis Lanni (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5

David Galluch advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5 on May 17, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		David Galluch	100.0	55,770

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 55,770
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• John Hayes (R)
• Alfe Goodwin (R)

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Alfe Goodwin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Goodwin's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired Philadelphia Police Officer, 23-year Army Veteran, and public-school teacher in Chester, City, Pennsylvania, I hold a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration, and I am a subject mattered expert in Restorative Justice, I am a public servant. I come from humble beginnings and have spent the better portion of my adult life serving the American people. Throughout my career I have seen good, bad, the smiles and tears of so many as they navigate their way through this thing, we all know as life. I am running for the 5th Congress in Pennsylvania to continue serving the American people and to help make our communities a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

As your representative I will always vote NO to any and all wasteful spending that will create unnecessary financial burdens on the American people. I will collaborate with members of Congress who demand accountability and transparency in our decisions, and outcomes. Because it’s your money! When I am sworn in as your next Congresswoman, I will vote NO on bills that impede moral family values and government overreach. I will vote NO on bills that infringe on common decency and sense. I will use the power I’ll be entrusted with, to expose any elected officials or pieces of legislation that infringes on the 1st, 2nd, 4th or any other amendments outlined in our constitution. I am running because I have #hadenough and so have You! Please sign up and help go to my website www.alfeforUSCongress.com

Thankyou

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Order at the Border
• Protecting Our Children
• Social Security Stability

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Politics out of policing and a weaponized justice system

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official should hold both the characteristic and principle of integrity. A single act of integrity goes a long way, it is the bedrock of a functional, responsible, and credible political official.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am reasonable, responsible, and ready.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of a Congresswoman are transparency, accountability to voters, and availability. Without a total and complete hybrid of the above mentioned, a political official is as useless as a wet paper bag.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Truth and justice for all

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that happened in my lifetime that I remember was the Camp David Accords. I really didn't understand who was involved, or its importance, I just remember my parents making a big deal out of the meeting that was taking place. I remember the relief on my parent's face, as they were fixated on both the television and the Bulletin (Philadelphia newspaper, back in the day) to see what would happen next. The year was 1978, and I was 7 years old. I learned later while attending Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia of the visionary and fortuitous leadership of President Jimmy Carter, the peacemaker. President Carter brought together the seemingly odd, and contradictive triune of leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and himself to once again make history.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was delivering the Daily News Paper, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, back in the day. I was 13 years old. I held down my newspaper route for two years, until I began babysitting, and I passed my route on to a neighbor who lived down the street from me.

What is your favorite book? Why?

'The Hero Wears a Thousand Faces', by Joseph Campbell, is absolutely one of my favorites reads for a number of reasons: The first it builds on the imagination of the reader/audience through a privy of research, historical context, and scholarly wit. The second, is because it intentionally encourages its reader/audience to follow their bliss, and believe that it is in fact possible, with faith, hard work, determination, and courage to make the world a better place, starting with our own backyards.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Ain't No Stopping Us Now" by McFadden and Whitehead.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Definitely, the American people have witnessed too many political officials who stand on the twighlight of their career and refuse, absolutely refuse to step down/and or aside and give someone else a chance to serve, someone that would provide the American people with a breath of fresh air. Instead, they have transformed their offices into a lifelong haul of employment, just to punish the American people with their presence, and inundated policies, this is absolutely not what our founding fathers intended.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

While campaigning, walking, knocking on doors, and meeting people throughout Delaware County, Pennsylvania I have had the pleasure of speaking with so many people and I've heard so many personal stories, likewise there are many instances of sharing and swapping stories while campaigning. My team and I were out and about knocking on doors one Saturday morning, when an elderly man came to the door and said "Yes", and I responded "Hi, my name is Alfe Goodwin, and I am running for the 5th Congressional District", he responded "Alfe"? I said, "Yes Sir", and he then began singing "What's it all about Alfe..." and we both laughed. He then said, "Have you ever heard that song?" I responded jokingly "No Sir, never", and we both laughed together again. I told him why I was running for the 5th Congressional District and what I stood on. As the conversation continued, I soon discovered we had many things in common, he was also a veteran. He began to tell me about his time and service in the Army, specifically his Airborne days. I've always enjoyed listening to the old-timers. While speaking with him, I realized that his Basic Combat Training, was not my Basic Combat Training, his was a lot meaner, harder, and back-breaking. I felt a moment of both gratitude and relief speaking to him. So not only did I have the pleasure of hearing his singing voice, but I also made a friend, and supporter.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Where's MGS?

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Delco GOP

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2023

Alfe Goodwin did not complete Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

State House

Alfe Goodwin did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

U.S. House

Alfe Goodwin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Goodwin's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Alfe Goodwin is a Retired Philadelphia Police Officer, and a drilling Army Reservist who believes in defending the Constitution, Election Integrity, Ending Mandate Over-reach, and Safer Communities where children can play. Alfe has dedicated herself to servant leadership, beginning with submitting her initial Army Enlistment application on 9/11. Alfe is also an Iraq Veteran, and in 2005, became the first Black-American Chaplain Candidate in Pennsylvania's Army, when she received her first Direct Appointment into the Army's Chaplain Core. September of 2010 Alfe became the 1st Black-American, female Chaplain Captain in the history of Pennsylvania's Army. Alfe is currently a Deputy Command Chaplain assigned to the United States Army Reserve Legal Command. While working as a Philadelphia Police Officer, Alfe patrolled South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, Center City, and Chinatown. Alfe was also awarded Officer of the Month a number of times and received one of the Police Departments highest honors of Heroism. Alfe is also a graduate of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia where she obtained her first master's degree and is also a PH. D Candidate at Walden University, her research is on Restorative Justice and Recidivism, and Non-Violent Offenders. Alfe Goodwin is running for the 5th Congressional seat because she believes that we have a Country to save, together.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• We have a Country to Save, Together
• Defend the Constitution, Election Integrity, End Mandate Over-reach, Secure Our Borders, and Support Law Enforcement, Military, and First Responders
• Safer Communities where children can play.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Election Integrity

Ending Mandate Over-reach
Supporting Law Enforcement, Military, and First Responders
Pro Term Limits
Dignified Buriel of Fetal Remains

Pro school choice

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity, and servant leadership. Are the both the most important and tremendously impactful for any and every elected official, because honesty, integrity, and servant leadership in motion provides voters and the public in general with the trust, and confidence needed in elected officials.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I hold 20 years of experience of sacrificing, and learning how to problem solve, adjust fire, and double-down. As a supervisor and trainer of soldiers, I've made it my business to work with integrity, honesty, and respect for all persons. As a police officer in some of Philadelphia's toughest neighborhoods, I've learned to communicate effectively, and responsibly. As a single Mom, I've learned that hard-work, patience, and gratitude is always an excellent recipe for success.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was delivering newspapers. I kept that job as long as I could, until I officially became a babysitter.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Gifted Hands", by Dr. Ben Carson. "Gifted Hands", is a tremendous example of faith-work in action. Dr. Carson has positively influenced the lives of so many people including me and my continued faith in God. He stands alone in his practice, and has also performed medical miracles, that at one time were thought to not have been humanly possible, Dr. Carson is truly a gift to humanity.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

`

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Terms limits are an idea that could develop into policy, and could prove beneficial to candidates, elected officials, and the overall public. It is definitely worth an opportunity to explore.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes, when Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon was car-jacked in South Philadelphia, I found that story, a hybrid of touching, memorable, and impactful. (I'm glad she wasn't physically harmed, like many car-jacking victims in Philadelphia, it's very sad).

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is necessary for diplomacy to move forward when considering policymaking and listening to the ideas of others. However, while compromising, it is also necessary to stick to one's values and beliefs while showing a genuine and mutation respect, even for opponents.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Alfe Goodwin campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5	Lost general	$0	N/A**
2023	Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163	Lost general	$0	$0
2022	Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163	Lost general	$0	$0
2022	U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5	Withdrew primary	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$0	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also

2024 Elections

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External links

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Candidate

U.S. House Pennsylvania District 5

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Footnotes

[show]

Pennsylvania's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Fetterman (D)

David McCormick (R)

Representatives

District 1

Brian Fitzpatrick (R)

District 2

Brendan Boyle (D)

District 3

Dwight Evans (D)

District 4

Madeleine Dean (D)

District 5

Mary Scanlon (D)

District 6

Chrissy Houlahan (D)

District 7

Ryan Mackenzie (R)

District 8

Rob Bresnahan (R)

District 9

Dan Meuser (R)

District 10

Scott Perry (R)

District 11

Lloyd Smucker (R)

District 12

Summer Lee (D)

District 13

John Joyce (R)

District 14

Guy Reschenthaler (R)

District 15

Glenn Thompson (R)

District 16

Mike Kelly (R)

District 17

Chris Deluzio (D)

Republican Party (11)

Democratic Party (8)