Politicians love a food photo op, and in Philly, the cuisine of choice is almost always a cheesesteak.
Candidates throughout the years — including former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama — have participated in this ritual to build some good will with potential voters.
It doesn’t always go well for everyone. In 2003, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry caught flak for ordering his cheesesteak with Swiss cheese (it’s two decades later, and Philly still hasn’t forgotten). And after a trip to Philly’s famous cheesesteak corner two years ago, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mehmet Oz got roasted by Pat’s on social media for his longtime residence in New Jersey.
It’s a presidential election year, and several of this year’s political candidates have opted to try Philly’s signature sandwich (and open themselves up to the risk of a gaffe). Where did they go, and what did they order? Here’s a little recap — in chronological order — of what we’ve seen so far this election cycle.
U.S. Senate Candidate Dave McCormick (R): Geno’s Steaks
McCormick, a businessman who’s taking his second stab at running to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate, had his obligatory cheesesteak moment back in April.
During a visit to Geno’s in South Philly, McCormick initially made the mistake of trying to order some sandwiches at the fry window, according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Then, he ordered some cheesesteaks (whiz wit) for his supporters and took a turn working the grill.
Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris (D): Jim’s West
In May — back when she was still running for vice president, instead of president — Harris stopped for a cheesesteak in West Philly during a visit to the city for a union convention.
Per a video of the visit posted on X, Harris visited Jim’s West on the recommendation of state Sen. Vincent Hughes and Congressman Brendan Boyle. There, she ordered her cheesesteak with provolone cheese, and she got one for her husband with Cooper Sharp and whiz.
Presidential Candidate Donald Trump (R): Tony and Nick’s Steaks
Trump — who’s previously visited Pat’s and Geno’s — paid a visit to this Oregon Avenue shop (formerly known as Tony Luke’s) ahead of a campaign rally in June.
It’s unclear what he ordered, but his visit may have made him the first ever presumptive presidential nominee to buy cheesesteaks from three different shops in South Philly, the Inquirer reported.
Vice Presidential Candidate JD Vance (R): Pat’s King of Steaks
Vance — the U.S. Senator from Ohio who’s running for VP on Trump’s ticket — ordered his cheesesteak with whiz and fried onions during a stop at Pat’s in South Philly in August. But what ended up making headlines that day was his mention of Swiss cheese.
“I don't like Swiss cheese, either,” Vance said to employees at the shop, according to CBS3. “But everyone says it's ‘insulting.’ Why do you guys hate it so much? What's the story?” One worker responded that they don’t hate the cheese; they “just don’t use it.”
