And then there were 11.
Former police officer John Wood, a little-known mayoral candidate who recently won an electoral lottery to gain top spot on the ballot, on Wednesday withdrew from the crowded Democratic field.
“Even with the #1 ballot position, I cannot compete with the millions of dollars raised so far by the other candidates,” Wood said in a statement. “I got into this race later than the other candidates. I understand these circumstances make it difficult for me to continue my run.”
Last week, Wood earned pole position when the dozen mayoral hopefuls, in a time-honored tradition, drew numbers from a Horn & Hardart coffee can. He said Wednesday that the fortunate selection “legitimized my candidacy and boosted my efforts.”
Wood spent three decades in the Philadelphia Police Department, later becoming a state parole agent. His statement did not mention recent reports questioning whether – and for how long – he has lived within city limits.
Cherelle Parker, who stepped down from City Council to run for mayor, will now be listed first on the May 16 Democratic mayoral primary ballot.
