David Oh is the only Republican in the race. He was in his third term as an at-large council member when he resigned in February to launch his campaign. He previously worked as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia, served in the National Guard, and started a solo law practice that merged with a larger firm. He grew up in Cobbs Creek and continues to live there with his family.
Oh is known for bucking the local GOP and winning reelection without party endorsement, although it is now supporting his mayoral run. He tried to shut down the Republican-dominated Philadelphia Parking Authority and sought an audit of the agency. He tried to repeal the city’s soda tax, joined Asian-American business owners in fighting a bill targeting stop-and-go liquor stores, authored legislation to make it harder for illegal squatters to take over homes, and investigated DHS guidelines for reporting child abuse.
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Previous elected experience: Nearly three terms on council as an at-large member, from 2012 to 2023.
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How long in Philly? The 62-year-old Oh was born in Cobbs Creek and lives there now.
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Big wins: He was the city’s first Asian-American office-holder. He touts his job creation efforts, including chairing committee to promote the arts community and international investment in the city, and his creation of an initiative for aspiring local musicians. He help organize a successful lawsuit by Chinese restaurant owners who alleged they were targeted for selective enforcement of a rule on business opening hours.
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Potential eyebrow raisers: He was arrested in the 1990s for firing a gun in the air to scare off a group of people near his home. He was accused of misleadingly claiming he was a Green Beret, and later fined for accepting an illegal campaign contribution. DHS investigated after Oh’s son was injured while they practiced judo together.
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What’s his network? Much of Oh’s work focuses on small business owners, artists, immigrant communities, law enforcement, and veterans. He’s served on the boards of The Welcoming Center, Friends of the Korean War Memorial at Penn’s Landing, the Philadelphia Police Advisory Commission, First Commercial Bank of Philadelphia, and the Christian Street YMCA, among many others.
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Endorsements: Republican City Committee, former governor Tom Ridge, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Ron Castile, Log Cabin Republicans.
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Vibe: A dogged, independent voice who isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers.
Website: davidoh.com