Cherelle Parker elected as Philadelphia’s first woman mayor

Cherelle Parker has been elected as the next mayor of Philadelphia. She is the 100th mayor of the city and the first woman to hold the office.

Who is Cherelle Parker going to be? A get-it-done Philadelphian. A get-it-done mayor who won’t ever forget her deep roots. I’m Philly-born, I’m Philly-bred, and I’ll be Philadelphian ’til I’m dead.

Cherelle Parker in her acceptance speech

Parker won the election by a landslide with more than 70% of the vote going her way. She addressed crucial issues such as public safety, education, and economic challenges in Philadelphia during her campaign. Her platform is influenced by her upbringing in a working-class predominantly Black neighborhood in the city.

She was endorsed by prominent public figures including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Parker resigned from the Philadelphia City Council last year in September to run for office. She was majority leader for Democrats and board chair of the Delaware River Port Authority.

Before serving on the city council, Parker was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 10 years. She worked in various roles in Councilwoman Tasco’s office and was a high school English teacher for a while. Parker has a bachelor’s degree in English education from Lincoln University.

“My message to Philadelphians from all walks of life was that if they would just give me the opportunity, that I would put to great use everything inside of me, my lived life experience, my professional experience, my academic preparation – that I will put all of it to great use to work with you all to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, greenest big city in the nation, with economic opportunity for all.”

Cherelle Parker in her acceptance speech

In her victory speech, Parker declared her resolve to work with all Philadelphians. She reiterated her determination to address the high levels of illegal drug use, homicides, shootings and violent crimes in the city. She will be sworn in on 2nd January 2024.