Democrat Mary Gay Scanlon represents the district.

Prior to 2018, the fifth district was located in north-central Pennsylvania and was the largest in area, and therefore least densely populated, of all of Pennsylvania's congressional districts.

Most of Thompson's territory became a new, heavily Republican 15th district.

The entirety of Delaware County and the majority of both the Main Line Suburbs and South Philadelphia are part of this district.

The district is fairly diverse compared to others in Pennsylvania, and is roughly 25% African American.