Senator Nikil Saval

06/02/2026

The loss of Dito van Reigersberg, better known to the world as Martha Graham Cracker, is heartbreaking. It is a staggering loss to theater, drag, the LGTBQ community, and to our city altogether. For so many people Philadelphia is inconceivable without him. This Pride Month will be a celebration of the enduring legacy of all that Dito is: heart, humor, verve, and so much more.

I last saw him in “Jesus Drag Superstar” — performing with teenage musicians from the Paul Green Rock Academy! — and it was an ominous sign when he withdrew earlier this year from his already renowned Aimee Mann musical, “Poor Judge” (considered a modern classic).

Our office sends our sincere condolences to Dito’s loved ones, collaborators, and all who he inspired. We grieve along with our entire city for this singular icon.

Van Reigersberg helped expand what drag could look and sound like in Philadelphia: theatrical, literary, absurd, deeply musical, and emotionally alive.

05/28/2026

I’m humbled to be recognized by 6ABC as an AAPI Heritage Month Honoree. Philadelphia has been my home for the past 15 years, and it is, without question, the greatest city on earth. I share this honor with the amazing community, people, and lands who make our city all that it is.

Congratulations to my fellow honorees Councilmember Nina Ahmad and Pramodkumar Shah! Thank you again to the incredible 6ABC team for this honor!

05/22/2026

My offices will close early today, Friday, May 22, at 1pm and will be closed all day on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. We look forward to serving you when we return on Tuesday, May 26, at 9am. Have a safe weekend!

05/21/2026

We want ICE OUT of our city! Join the Friends of McPherson Library, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, and my office to learn the knowledge and skills to defend against ICE.

Join us June 2nd at 6pm. Register at training.iceoutphilly.org ✊🏾

Please note that this is an in-person training, and location will be provided only to those who RSVP. We look forward to seeing you!

05/19/2026

It's primary Election Day! Make you have a plan to vote. The polls will be open from 7am till 8pm, and you can find your polling location at VOTE.pa.gov!

Thank you to all the poll workers, election judges, volunteers, neighbors, and more who work tirelessly to put our democracy into action 🗳💙

05/15/2026

For more than 100 years, the Curtis Institute of Music has helped to make our city and our commonwealth a hub of creative education, artistic achievement, and a model of musical excellence. 🎶

What an honor it has been to celebrate Curtis with a citation for their century of achievement, both at home in Philadelphia and among my Senate colleagues in Harrisburg. Special thank you to the Viano Quartet who brought a stunning performance to our Capitol!

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mom-figures who nurture our community 💐

05/08/2026

Happy 60th anniversary to the inimitable ! Spent a wonderful evening celebrating with community members, government colleagues, and the incredible staff who help continue the vibrant legacy of our city's Chinatown.

05/06/2026

Always proud to join my family and the workers who power Philadelphia on May Day ❤🌹 Together we're fighting for a city that works for the people, not the billionaires. Thank you for bringing us all together to demand what we deserve and to all who are working tirelessly around the country to reignite a fighting labor movement--solidarity forever!

05/01/2026

Happy International Workers’ Day 🌹

Today is a day to uplift our collective power, to commit to continue to struggle for a better world, and to honor all those who fought before us.

The bosses want us to believe that we are powerless. They know that when workers stand together we can win a world that works for the many, not the few.

I’m headed to City Hall at 4pm to stand with and comrades across the city to celebrate May Day and demand workers over billionaires!

The other 364 days, you’ll find me out on picket lines and standing with workers wherever they’re fighting for a better workplace and a better world for all of us. A few solidarity actions over the last year:

🌹I stood with at a practice picket ahead of a looming strike deadline – graduate workers went on to win a contract with massive wage increases, enhanced childcare and medical benefits, and additional supports for international students.

🌹I went to York with and , where baristas shut down a major East Coast distribution center during their historic multi-week strike.

🌹I joined for a practice picket at Wills Eye – nurses, techs, and allied professionals went on to win a new contract with increased patient and staff protections!

And so many more! Let’s keep up the fight ✊🏾