Cherelle Parker won the Democratic primary for mayor of Philadelphia. The former city councilwoman thus became the party's official candidate and will face Republican David Oh in this year's November general election.
Shortly after being declared the winner, the Democrat had to leave the event due to a dental emergency that required immediate medical attention. However, she expressed on her Twitter account feeling "incredibly honored" by the outcome of the primaries:
It has been a long road, and to see that the tireless work of my campaign team, my supporters and my family has paid off is humbling. I am looking forward to November to join our city as its 100th mayor.
I’m so incredibly honored to have earned the Democratic nomination tonight. It’s been a long road, and to see the tireless work of my campaign team, supporters, and family pay off is humbling.
I’m looking forward to November and bringing our city together as its 100th mayor.
— Cherelle Parker (@PeopleforParker) May 17, 2023
Parker prevailed over a group of eight Democrats. Among some of the favorites: Allan Domb (former councilman and real estate mogul); Helen Gym (former councilwoman, considered one of the most radical progressives, endorsed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez); Rebecca Rhynhart (former controller, endorsed by three former city mayors); and Jeff Brown (food magnate).
If elected, Parker - 50 years old - would become the city's 100th mayor and would be the first woman to hold the position. The Democrat has a long political career in the state of Pennsylvania, serving for a decade as state representative for Northwest Philadelphia and then being elected councilwoman in 2015.
A campaign backed by civil servants and trade unions
His campaign was widely supported by municipal and federal officials, as well as a large number of unions. Among them: Philadelphia's delegation to the House of Representatives, City Council President Darrell Clarke, former Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sanchez and Councilmen Curtis Jones Jr., Anthony Phillips, Michael Driscoll and Mark Squilla.
Among his campaign promises is the hiring of more than 300 police officers to curb the gun violence plaguing the city. In addition, he assured that he would support the use of the 'stop-and-frisk' practice.
stop-and-frisk),
which consists of temporarily stopping, questioning and - on occasion - searching civilians on the street for weapons and other contraband.
Parker also promised to"put an end to the sense of lawlessness that plagues our city by getting hundreds more officers out on the street for training as community policing officers."
We need to have a comprehensive approach to policing. We can have zero tolerance for any misuse or abuse of authority while embracing community policing.
It’s not either or. pic.twitter.com/oXqFUDYO3U
— Cherelle Parker (@PeopleforParker) April 25, 2023
