Democrat Cherelle Parker made history Tuesday night (November 7) after she was elected to be Philadelphia's mayor, making her the first woman to hold that office, according to NBC News. The former Philadelphia City Council member will also serve as the city's 100th mayor after defeating Republican David Oh.
Before her historic win, Parker triumphed over five other candidates in the competitive Democratic primary back in May. She will succeed Democrat Jim Kenney, who didn't officially endorse the former councilwoman but voted for her in the primary, reporters learned.
Parker posted to X Wednesday morning (November 8) thanking voters for choosing her and believing in her vision for a "safer, cleaner, greener city with economic opportunity for all.”
"Thank you, Philly!" she said in the video. "As a little girl, I never dreamed that this moment would arrive, but it’s here now, and I thank you for making it a reality."
Parker's campaign promises included improving public safety, education, infrastructure, poverty, and the job market while touting her extensive political career. She put a particular focus on helping a blue-collar majority-black neighborhood in Philadelphia. The former councilwoman swore to bolster the police force as well as mental health support for the community.
The mayor-elect has been involved with politics since she was a teenager. She served as a representative in the Philadelphia State House from 2005 to 2015, which she was elected to the Philadelphia City Council. She embarked on her path for the mayoral office in September 2022.
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