Working Families Party files election paperwork, looks to take seats from Republicans

Candidates for the progressive Working Families Party, who are attempting to deny Republicans a City Council at-large seat, filed nomination paperwork Monday to appear on November’s general election ballot.

Four years ago, the WFP’s Kendra Brooks won an at-large spot, while her running mate, pastor and activist Nicholas O’Rourke, fell short. Both have submitted signatures to run again.

“In 2019, we proved that having a non-Republican in that minority party seat was something that we could do, and I think over the last three-and-a-half years I’ve proven that we can really get things done,” Brooks told Metro on Monday.

Seven at-large members represent the entire city, and two of those spots are reserved for members of a minority party, which, in Philadelphia, means someone who is not a Democrat. Historically, Republicans filled those seats, but the WFP and other progressive groups have put pressure on the GOP in recent years.

David Oh was elected alongside Brooks during the last election cycle. He resigned in February to enter the mayor’s race, and he is the Republican facing Democratic nominee Cherelle Parker in the fall.

Brooks and O’Rourke had far more money in their campaign accounts than all five Republicans in the race as of early June, according to the latest financial reports.

In May’s primary, GOP voters nominated at-large candidates Frank Cristinzio, Gary Grisafi, Jim Hasher, Mary Jane Kelly and Drew Murray, though only the two highest voter-getters in the general election have a realistic chance of going to City Hall.

Currently, the only Republican in City Council is the Far Northeast’s Brian O’Neill, who is being challenged in November by Democrat Gary Masino, president of Sheet Metal Workers Local 19.

“The Republican Party is sabotaging civil rights, busting unions, and chipping away at democracy,” O’Rourke said in a statement. “They do not deserve governing power.”

Representatives for the Philadelphia GOP could not be reached for comment Monday.

Party leaders in March decided not to file nomination petitions for two candidates in the City Commissioners race – even though they had gathered enough signatures – preferring to fend off the WFP than challenge Democrats. Republicans are focusing on electing Seth Bluestein, who has served on the board since being appointed last year following the resignation of Al Schmidt.

WFP candidate Jarrett Smith, legislative director for SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, filed paperwork Monday to run for commissioner.

Similar to the set-up in council, one of the three City Commissioners must belong to a minority party, and the two Democratic incumbents, Lisa Deeley and Omar Sabir, are heavily favored in November. The commissioners oversee elections in Philadelphia.