Philly Mayoral Candidates Agree to Debate Date

Democrat Cherelle Parker has agreed to debate Republican David Oh next month during the final days of the Philadelphia mayoral campaign.

The debate is slated for Thursday, October 26, at 8 a.m. during drive-time on KYW Newsradio. It is presently the only debate scheduled between the candidates.

Parker prevailed over a crowded field to earn the Democratic nomination in May which typically determines the next occupant, given the city’s 7-to-1 registration advantage for Democrats.

Oh, who is a former City Council member like Parker, ran unopposed in the primary.

The Republican, needing an opportunity to break through in the race, has been pressing for a series of debates, while Parker has been noncommittal up to this point.

Parker spokesperson John Dolan indicated the KYW debate will not be the only time the candidates meet up.

“We’re in touch with other organizations working out the scheduling and logistics for several public events that’ll feature both Mr. Oh and Cherelle,” Dolan said Tuesday.

The winner of the election will replace outgoing Mayor Jim Kenney in January.

Steve Ulrich

Ulrich has worked as managing editor of PoliticsPA since January 2022 after spending two years as the Director of Elections in York (Pa.) County. Prior to that, he spent 35 years as a college athletics administrator. Send email to [email protected]