City Council is again taking aim at Philadelphia’s “resign-to-run” rule, two years after a handful of the body’s members quit to run for mayor.
The measure, which is enshrined in the city’s governing document, requires municipal employees, including elected officials, to step down before seeking political office. An exception is made for candidates pursuing reelection.
Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas introduced legislation Thursday providing for a ballot question that could end resign-to-run. Voters decided to retain the provision in the 2014 primary by a margin of 54% to 46%, and a similar attempt to eliminate it was defeated in 2007.
“This year’s election showed that voters think government at all levels need to do better,” Thomas said in a statement. “Voters deserve to have as many qualified and committed candidates on the ballot as possible.”
Thomas’s team said removing the rule would take away a financial barrier for city workers hoping to run for office and lead to fewer unanticipated Council vacancies.
Only five states require candidates to quit their government jobs, and Pennsylvania is not one of them. For example, Malcolm Kenyatta, as a state employee, was able to run in the most recent general election for auditor general (unsuccessfully) while appearing unopposed on the ballot in his state House of Representatives district.
In contrast, Council experienced significant turnover when members Cherelle Parker, Helen Gym, Allan Domb, Derek Green and Maria Quiñones Sánchez left office to launch mayoral bids in the lead-up to the 2023 primary. City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart also had to step down to enter the race.
Philadelphia is the only municipality in the state with a resign-to-run rule, according to Thomas’s office.
“Ending resign-to-run will allow more local Philadelphians, public servants, and elected officials alike to strive for change at all levels of government,” the councilman added.
Proponents of the provision believe elected officials could neglect their current duties if they have to spend so much time campaigning for a higher position. There are also concerns about politicians using their incumbency and official staff to gain an advantage.
Since the proposal requires a City Charter change, Thomas’s legislation needs the support of a two-thirds majority of Council. If approved, the ballot question could pass or fail with a simple majority of voters, potentially in the May 2025 primary.
