Background
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.[1][2]
- Graduate:
- United Lutheran Seminary, 2010
- Associates:
- Community College of Philadelphia, 1994
- Bachelor's:
- Thomas Edison State University, 2006
- High school:
- Franklin Learning Center High School
Campaign themes
Alfe Goodwin did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
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 BorderProtecting Our ChildrenSocial 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.
What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?
Delco GOP
Alfe Goodwin did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2023 Candidate Connection survey.
State House
Alfe Goodwin did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
U.S. House
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, TogetherDefend the Constitution, Election Integrity, End Mandate Over-reach, Secure Our Borders, and Support Law Enforcement, Military, and First RespondersSafer 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?
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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.
On the 2026 ballot
Links
Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.
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