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2023 Philadelphia mayoral election
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The 2023 Philadelphia mayoral election was held on November 7, 2023 to elect the mayor of Philadelphia. Nominees for the Democratic and Republican parties were selected through primaries on May 16, 2023.
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Incumbent Democratic mayor Jim Kenney was term limited and could not seek reelection to a third term. Philadelphia's three most recent mayors were previously members of Philadelphia City Council who resigned their seats to run for mayor due to the "resign to run" provision of Philadelphia's election law. Former Philadelphia District Attorney Ed Rendell (1992-2000) was the last mayor who never served in the Philadelphia City Council.
Notable Democratic candidates included former city councilmembers Allan Domb, Helen Gym, and Cherelle Parker; state representative Amen Brown; former municipal judge James DeLeon; former city controller Rebecca Rhynhart; businessman Jeff Brown; and pastor Warren Bloom Sr. Cherelle Parker won the Democratic primary on September 3 to go on and become the nominee. The Republican nominee is former longtime At-Large City Councilmember David Oh, who ran unopposed in his party's primary.
Parker was heavily favored in the general election, as Philadelphia has not elected a Republican mayor since 1947. Kenney was re-elected with 80% of the vote in 2019, while Democrat Joe Biden carried the city of Philadelphia with 81% of the vote in 2020.[1] Oh still overperformed compared to previous Republicans, however, garnering nearly 25% of the vote - more than any Republican mayoral candidate since Sam Katz in 2003.
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Democratic primary
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Perspective
Background
In 2019, incumbent Mayor Jim Kenney was re-elected to his second and final term. Polling in March 2022 showed Kenney with a 55% approval rating among Philadelphia Democrats, while an equal percentage said the city was moving in the wrong direction.[2]
Gun violence and public safety were top issues in the election.[2][3] While Philadelphia saw 8% fewer homicides in 2022 than in 2021,[4] the city recorded more than 500 homicides for the second year in a row.[5] After a shooting at the city's July 4 celebration, Mayor Kenney told reporters he will "be happy" when he is no longer mayor,[6] prompting City Council members Derek S. Green and Allan Domb to call for his resignation.[7]
In August 2022, Allan Domb resigned from City Council ahead of an expected run for mayor but did not announce his candidacy until November of that year.[8][9] In September, Derek Green, Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, and Cherelle Parker also resigned from City Council and announced their candidacies.[10][11][12] City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart joined the race in October, followed by ShopRite retailer Jeff Brown and City Council member Helen Gym in November.[13][14][15] State Representative Amen Brown announced his campaign in December.[16]
Candidates
Nominee
Eliminated in primary
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Other declared candidates
- Delscia Gray[20]
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Philadelphia city councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez dropped out, citing the "obnoxious, obscene amount of money that is shaping the race."
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Philadelphia city councilmember, Derek S. Green withdrew from the race in April 2023.
Withdrew
- Derek S. Green, At-large Philadelphia City Councilmember (2016–2022)[21][22] (endorsed Parker)[23]
- Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, Philadelphia City Councilmember for the 7th district (2008–2022)[21][24] (endorsed Parker)[25][26]
- John Wood, former Philadelphia police lieutenant and U.S. Marine Corps veteran[27]
Did not qualify
- Joseph Anthony Tartaglia[28]
Declined
- Cindy Bass, Philadelphia City Councilmember from the 8th district (2012–present)[29] (running for re-election)[30]
- Howard Eskin, sports radio personality on 94.1 WIP[31]
- Vincent Hughes, Pennsylvania state senator from the 7th district (1994–present)[32][33]
- Keith Leaphart, entrepreneur, philanthropist, physician and Executive on Loan to the city of Philadelphia (2007)[34]
- Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia (2008–2016)[35] (endorsed Rhynhart)[36]
- Mike Stack, former Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania (2015–2019) (endorsed Domb)[37][38]
Campaign
In November 2022, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that former city councilmember Cherelle Parker had the "competitive advantage as the race gets underway."[39] The Inquirer credited her "competitive advantage" to her close ties to labor unions in Philadelphia and her role as the Democratic leader of Northwest Philadelphia's 50th Ward, which is home to older middle-class Black voters, who boast some of the highest voter turnout.[39]
Helen Gym has been described as the favored candidate by progressive activists.[39] She faced early attacks from fellow candidates, who have criticized her votes in City Council to oppose greater funding for the Philadelphia Police Department.[19]
In December 2022, Jeff Brown became the first candidate to run TV ads. The ads highlight his work opening grocery stores in "underserved communities" and accuses his rivals from City Council of inaction.[40] This coincided with Brown receiving endorsements from some of Philadelphia's most powerful labor unions including the chapters of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Transport Workers Union of America and United Food and Commercial Workers.[41] Brown faced controversy when he aired an ad that showed an old clip of former First Lady Michelle Obama praising him. An advisor to Obama said that she does not get involved in Democratic primaries and criticized the ad for implying that she had endorsed Brown.[42]
Campaign finance reports, released in early April, showed Allan Domb and Jeff Brown as having raised the most money of the candidates.[43] The report showed that Domb had raised $2.6 million, with a $2 million being self-financed. In comparison, Brown raised $2 million with $800,000 being self-financed.[43] The report also showed that more than half of the money donated came from outside of Philadelphia. Only Parker and Rhynhart raised a majority of their funds from Philadelphia donors.[44]
Longtime city councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez was originally a candidate,[24] but withdrew on April 10, citing an "obnoxious, obscene amount of money that is shaping the race."[24] Quiñones-Sánchez failed to win the endorsement of any labor unions and her $800,000 in campaign funds paled in comparison to other candidates in the race, who were primarily self-funding their campaigns.[24]
On April 10, The Philadelphia Board of Ethics sued "For A Better Philadelphia", a super PAC and nonprofit, by the same name, supporting Jeff Brown's candidacy.[45] The Board of Ethics investigation found an "extensive and elaborate scheme to circumvent the city's campaign contribution limits."[45] In addition, the Board of Ethics said that Brown engaged in fundraising for "For A Better Philadelphia" by directing donors to give to the outside spending group.[45] If Brown coordinated with the PAC, then the PAC's spending would be subject to the city's limits on political donations.[45] The Philadelphia Board of Ethics asked a judge to issue an emergency order prohibiting the super PAC and nonprofit from spending money to support Brown.[45]
In May 2023, two canvassers working for the group One PA, who were canvassing for Gym and a candidate for City Council, got into an altercation, which resulted in a fatal shooting.[46]
Debates
Endorsements
Amen Brown
Statewide officials
- George Bochetto, former Pennsylvania State Boxing Commissioner (1996–2002) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022 (Republican)[47]
Pennsylvania state senators
- Vince Fumo, 1st district (1978–2008) and convicted felon[47]
Pennsylvania state representatives
- John Perzel, former PA House Speaker (2003–2007) from the 172nd district (1979–2010) and convicted felon (Republican)[47]
Jeff Brown
Labor unions
- American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees – District Council 33 and Local 159[48][49]
- Fraternal Order of Police – Lodge 5[50]
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8[51]
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters – Joint Council 53 and Local 830[52][53]
- Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters[52]
- Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union Local 108[54]
- Temple University Police Association[55]
- Transport Workers Union of America – Local 234[56]
- United Food and Commercial Workers – Local 152, 360 and 1776[41]
Organizations
- National Black Police Association Guardian Civic League - Philadelphia chapter[57]
Allan Domb
Statewide officials
- Mike Stack, former Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania (2015–2019) and former state senator from the 5th district (2001–2015)[58]
Philadelphia mayors
- Bill Green III, former mayor of Philadelphia (1980–1984) and former U.S. Representative from PA-3 (1964–1977)[59]
Organizations
- Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors[60]
Individuals
- Bernard Hopkins, former professional boxer[61]
Derek S. Green (withdrawn)
Notable individuals
- Ken Snyder, principal and co-founder of SnyderPickerill Media Group (Green's campaign spokesperson)[62]
Helen Gym
U.S. Senators
- Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator from Vermont (2007–present) and Democratic candidate for President of the United States in 2016 and 2020 (Independent)[63]
U.S. Representatives
- Jamaal Bowman, NY-16 (2021–present)[64]
- Greg Casar, TX-35 (2023–present)[26]
- Andy Kim, NJ-3 (2019–present)[65]
- Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, NY-14 (2019–present)[66]
- Ayanna Pressley, MA-7 (2019–present)[66]
Pennsylvania state senators
- Nikil Saval, District 1 (2021–present)[67]
Pennsylvania state representatives
- Elizabeth Fiedler, District 184 (2019–present)[19]
- Tarik Khan, District 194 (2023–present)[68]
- Rick Krajewski, District 188 (2021–present)[19]
Other state legislators
- Yuh-Line Niou, former New York State Assemblymember from the 65th district (2017–2022)[68]
Local officials
- Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago, Illinois (2023–present) and former Cook County Commissioner from the 1st district (2018–2023)[69]
- Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston, Massachusetts (2021–present)[70]
Philadelphia city councilmembers
- Kendra Brooks, at-large (2020–present) (Working Families)[71]
- Jamie Gauthier, District 3 (2020–present)[72]
- Wilson Goode Jr., at-large (2000–2016)[73]
Party officials
- Maurice Mitchell, musician and national director of the Working Families Party (2018–present) (Working Families)[74]
Individuals
- Benjamin Abella, University of Pennsylvania professor[72]
- Michael Coard, radio host on WURD and Temple University professor[75]
- Jane Fonda, actress and former model[76]
- Marc Lamont Hill, Temple University professor, host of UpFront (2021–present), and former CNN and Fox News commentator[77]
- Cynthia Nixon, actress and theater director[49]
- Eliza Orlins, lawyer and TV personality[49]
- Mark Ruffalo, actor and producer[78]
Labor unions
- American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees – District Council 47, Local 397, and Please Touch Museum United[79][80]
- American Federation of Teachers – National, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Local 3, United Academics of Philadelphia, Community College of Philadelphia, and Temple University chapters[81][52][82][83][84][60]
- Health Professionals and Allied Employees[83]
- Teamsters Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division and Local 623[85][86]
- UNITE HERE Philadelphia – Local #54, #274, #634[79]
Organizations
- AAPI Victory Fund[87]
- Asian American Action Fund[70]
- Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund[88]
- Food & Water Action[89]
- Friends of the Earth Action Fund[88]
- League of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania[86]
- Our Revolution[90]
- People's Action[91]
- Progressive Change Campaign Committee[92]
- Reclaim Philadelphia[16]
- Sierra Club Pennsylvania and Southeastern Pennsylvania chapters[93][94]
- Sunrise Movement Philadelphia[95]
- United We Dream Action[96]
- University of Pennsylvania Young Democratic Socialists of America[97]
- Make the Road Action[98]
Political parties
Cherelle Parker
U.S. representatives
- Brendan Boyle, PA-2 (2015–present)[100]
- Dwight Evans, PA-3 (2016–present)[101]
Pennsylvania state senators
- Jimmy Dillon, District 5 (2022–present)[83]
- Art Haywood, District 4 (2015–present)[102]
- Vincent Hughes, District 7 (1994–present)[103]
- Shirley Kitchen, District 3 (1996–2016)[83]
- Sharif Street, District 3 (2017–present) and Pennsylvania Democratic Party chair (2022–present)[83]
- Tina Tartaglione, District 2 (1995–present)[83]
Pennsylvania state representatives
- Leslie Acosta, District 197 (2015–2017) and convicted felon[25]
- Anthony Bellmon, District 203 (2023–present)[104]
- Kevin Boyle, District 172 (2011–present)[104]
- Donna Bullock, District 195 (2015–present)[105]
- Danilo Burgos, District 197 (2019–present)[70]
- Morgan Cephas, District 192 (2017–present)[51]
- Angel Cruz, District 180 (2001–2022)[105]
- Pat Gallagher, District 173 (2023–present)[102]
- Jose Giral, District 180 (2023–present)[105]
- Stephen Kinsey, District 201 (2013–present)[105]
- Darisha Parker, District 198 (2020–present)[101]
- Benjamin Ramos, District 180 (1995–2000)[70]
- Emilio Vazquez, District 197 (2017–2019)[105]
Other state legislators
- Dana Redd, former New Jersey state senator from the 5th district (2008–2010) and former Mayor of Camden, New Jersey (2010–2018)[65]
- Stephen Sweeney, former president of the New Jersey Senate (2010–2022) from the 3rd district (2002–2022)[65]
Local officials
- Alan Butkovitz, former City Controller (2006–2018)[106]
- Victor Carstarphen, Mayor of Camden, New Jersey (2021–present)[65]
Philadelphia city councilmembers
- Cindy Bass, 8th district (2012–present)[49]
- Darrell Clarke, 5th district (1999–present) and Philadelphia City Council President (2012–present)[107]
- Michael Driscoll, 6th district (2022–present) and former Pennsylvania state representative from District 173 (2015–2022)[108]
- Derek S. Green, At-large Philadelphia City Councilmember (2016–2022) and former 2023 mayoral candidate[23]
- Bill Greenlee, at-large (2006–2020)[73]
- Kenyatta Johnson, 2nd district (2012–present) and former Pennsylvania state representative from District 186 (2009–2012)[109]
- Curtis Jones Jr., 4th district (2008–present)[51]
- Anthony Phillips, 9th district (2022–present)[110]
- Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, 7th district (2008–2022) and former 2023 mayoral candidate[26]
- Mark Squilla, 1st district (2012–present)[109]
- Marian Tasco, 9th district (1998–2016)[111]
Individuals
- Freeway, rapper from the band State Property[112]
- Peedi Peedi, rapper from the band State Property[112]
Labor unions
- American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Locals 403 and 427[48]
- Communication Workers of America District 2–13[108]
- Eastern Atlantic States Council of Carpenters[113]
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98[114]
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21[115]
- Laborers' International Union of North America Local 332[83]
- Philadelphia Building Trades Council[116]
- SEIU 32BJ[117]
- Sprinkler Fitters Local 692[104]
Newspapers and other media
Organizations
- Emgage PAC[119]
- National Organization for Women – Philadelphia chapter[120]
Maria Quiñones-Sánchez (withdrawn)
Pennsylvania state representatives
- Danilo Burgos, 197th district (2019–present)[121]
- Jason Dawkins, 179th district (2015–present)[121]
- Ben Waxman, 182nd district (2022–present)[122]
Local officials
- Quetcy Lozada, Philadelphia city councilmember from the 7th district (2022–present)[121]
Organizations
Rebecca Rhynhart
Statewide officials
- Ed Rendell, former Governor of Pennsylvania (2003–2011) and former mayor of Philadelphia (1992–2000)[124]
Philadelphia mayors
- Michael Nutter (2008–2016)[36]
- John Street (2000–2008)[125]
Organizations
Newspapers and other media
Declined to endorse
Philadelphia mayors
- Jim Kenney (2016–2024) (voted for Parker)[127]
- Wilson Goode Sr. (1984–1992)[128]
Political parties
Polling
Graphical summary
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Fundraising
Results
Parker
- 20%-30%
- 30%-40%
- 40%-50%
- 50%-60%
- 60%-70%
- 70%-80%
Rhynhart
- 20%-30%
- 30%-40%
- 40%-50%
Gym
- 20%-30%
- 30%-40%
- 40%-50%
- 50%-60%
Domb
- 20%-30%
- 30%-40%
Results by Ward[142]
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Republican primary
Summarize
Perspective
Candidates
Nominee
Campaign
David Oh, a former longtime At-Large City Councilmember, was the only Republican to run for mayor.[144] Despite Philadelphia being a heavily Democratic city, Oh has established a brand as a Republican willing to clash with both parties and his cultivated a unique base of supporters, particularly among immigrant voters.[144]
Endorsements
David Oh
Statewide officials
- Tom Ridge, former Governor of Pennsylvania (1995–2001) and former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (2003–2005)[85]
- Ronald Castille, former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice (1994–2014) and former Philadelphia District Attorney (1986–1991)[85]
Labor unions
- Fraternal Order of Transit Police - Lodge 109[102]
Organizations
Political parties
Results
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General election
Summarize
Perspective
Endorsements
Cherelle Parker (D)
U.S. representatives
- Brendan Boyle, PA-2 (2015–present)[100]
- Dwight Evans, PA-3 (2016–present)[101]
Pennsylvania state senators
- Jimmy Dillon, District 5 (2022–present)[83]
- Art Haywood, District 4 (2015–present)[102]
- Vincent Hughes, District 7 (1994–present)[103]
- Shirley Kitchen, District 3 (1996–2016)[83]
- Sharif Street, District 3 (2017–present) and Pennsylvania Democratic Party chair (2022–present)[83]
- Tina Tartaglione, District 2 (1995–present)[83]
Pennsylvania state representatives
- Leslie Acosta, District 197 (2015–2017) and convicted felon[25]
- Anthony Bellmon, District 203 (2023–present)[104]
- Kevin Boyle, District 172 (2011–present)[104]
- Donna Bullock, District 195 (2015–present)[105]
- Danilo Burgos, District 197 (2019–present)[70]
- Morgan Cephas, District 192 (2017–present)[51]
- Angel Cruz, District 180 (2001–2022)[105]
- Pat Gallagher, District 173 (2023–present)[102]
- Jose Giral, District 180 (2023–present)[105]
- Stephen Kinsey, District 201 (2013–present)[105]
- Darisha Parker, District 198 (2020–present)[101]
- Benjamin Ramos, District 180 (1995–2000)[70]
- Emilio Vazquez, District 197 (2017–2019)[105]
Other state legislators
- Dana Redd, former New Jersey state senator from the 5th district (2008–2010) and former Mayor of Camden, New Jersey (2010–2018)[65]
- Stephen Sweeney, former president of the New Jersey Senate (2010–2022) from the 3rd district (2002–2022)[65]
Local officials
- Alan Butkovitz, former City Controller (2006–2018)[106]
- Victor Carstarphen, Mayor of Camden, New Jersey (2021–present)[65]
Philadelphia city councilmembers
- Cindy Bass, 8th district (2012–present)[49]
- Darrell Clarke, 5th district (1999–present) and Philadelphia City Council President (2012–present)[107]
- Michael Driscoll, 6th district (2022–present) and former Pennsylvania state representative from District 173 (2015–2022)[108]
- Derek S. Green, At-large Philadelphia City Councilmember (2016–2022) and former 2023 mayoral candidate[23]
- Bill Greenlee, at-large (2006–2020)[73]
- Kenyatta Johnson, 2nd district (2012–present) and former Pennsylvania state representative from District 186 (2009–2012)[109]
- Curtis Jones Jr., 4th district (2008–present)[51]
- Anthony Phillips, 9th district (2022–present)[110]
- Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, 7th district (2008–2022) and former 2023 mayoral candidate[26]
- Mark Squilla, 1st district (2012–present)[109]
- Marian Tasco, 9th district (1998–2016)[111]
Individuals
- Freeway, rapper from the band State Property[112]
- Peedi Peedi, rapper from the band State Property[112]
- Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, labor organizer and president of NextGen America PAC (2021–present) (general election)[145]
Labor unions
- American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Locals 403 and 427[48]
- Communication Workers of America District 2–13[108]
- Eastern Atlantic States Council of Carpenters[113]
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98[114]
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21[115]
- Laborers' International Union of North America Local 332[83]
- Philadelphia Building Trades Council[116]
- SEIU 32BJ[117]
- Sprinkler Fitters Local 692[104]
Newspapers and other media
- The Philadelphia Inquirer (general election)[146]
- Philadelphia Gay News[60]
- The Philadelphia Tribune[118]
Organizations
- Emgage PAC[119]
- National Organization for Women – Philadelphia chapter[120]
- NextGen America (general election)[145]
David Oh (R)
Statewide officials
- Tom Ridge, former Governor of Pennsylvania (1995–2001) and former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (2003–2005)[85]
- Ronald Castille, former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice (1994–2014) and former Philadelphia District Attorney (1986–1991)[85]
Labor unions
- Fraternal Order of Transit Police – Lodge 109[102]
Organizations
Political parties
Debate
A debate between Parker and Oh took place on October 26, 2023, at the studios of KYW NewsRadio.[147]
Results
Results by Ward[142]
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References
Notes
External links
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