Expansive Field Awaits Voters for Philly Mayoral Race

As Philadelphia prepares to elect a new mayor, AARP is reaching out to candidates for their views on affordable housing, safe streets and other issues vital to voters 50 and older.

In advance of the Tuesday, May 16, primary, AARP is working with other community groups to sponsor at least one debate to get a crowded field of candidates on the record on those issues.  As of press time, about a dozen candidates had indicated their intention to run in either the Democratic or Republican primary, hoping to succeed Mayor Jim Kenney (D), who must step aside due to term limits.

“It’s not enough that the next Philly mayor favors affordable housing,” says AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh. “We intend to understand how the city’s next leader will make housing more affordable so we can communicate that to our members, and they can make an informed decision in the election.”

Leading up to the Tuesday, Nov. 7, general election, AARP will continue to work with community groups to set up any candidate forums and will publicize candidates’ positions on the issues. All information will be posted at AARP’s Philadelphia election guide at aarp.org/phlmayor.
—Cristina Rouvalis