Cherelle Parker is the longest serving legislative official in the race. She spent a decade in Harrisburg as a state representative from 2005-2015, and the following 7 years as a member of City Council representing Northwest Philly’s District 9, where she grew up and still lives.
Much of her work has revolved around the “middle neighborhoods” that exist within her district, in hopes that they can be a model for the city more widely. She made history in 2021 as the first woman appointed chair of the Delaware River Port Authority, the bi-state organization that runs PATCO and is in charge of tolls on four cross-river bridges.
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Previous elected experience: With 17 years between the Pa. House and City Council, Parker’s tenure as an elected official is second among candidates, trailing only Jimmy DeLeon’s decades as a judge.
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How long in Philly? Parker was born in Mt. Airy, where she currently lives.
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Big wins: Helping establish the Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP) property tax relief program, Philly’s cigarette tax, and a 2017 home repair loan plan.
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Potential eyebrow raisers: After leaving her job on City Council, Parker took up lobbying in Harrisburg as a source of income, per her campaign. She’s listed as representing Longwood Gardens and Moore Art College, and says she’ll resign if elected.
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What’s her network? Parker is part of the Northwest Coalition, a group of politicos who’ve organized together for decades, and whose network has historically included leaders of the Laborers’ District Council. She also has various allies in state government from her DRPA position and time serving in Harrisburg.
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Endorsements: Philadelphia Building Trades Council; SEIU Local 32BJ; Council President Darrell Clarke; Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity; Philadelphia chapter of National Organization for Women
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Vibe: A rousing motivational speaker with a sharp sense of humor.
Website: cherelleparker.com