For the first time ever, the local Democratic party has endorsed an openly LGBT candidate for Philadelphia City Council.
At its endorsement meeting last Saturday, the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee endorsed Sherrie Cohen for a City Council-at-Large seat. The committee also endorsed out candidates Christopher Mallios and Abbe Fletman, who are both running for Court of Common Pleas judgeships.
Philadelphia remains the only major city in the nation to never have elected an openly LGBT councilperson.
“I’m honored to receive the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee endorsement,” Cohen said. “I want to thank every member of the committee, not only for their support but [their] faith in myself and the campaign we are building.”
Democratic voters will pick five candidates for Council-at-Large in the May 19 primary. The committee endorsed the four incumbents and Cohen. A dozen challengers are also vying for an at-Large seat, including openly gay candidate Paul Steinke.
Cohen acknowledged the history-making nature of the endorsement.
“This is a victory for the entire LGBT community that has fought for years to have direct representation on council,” Cohen said. “This is also a victory for working families, union members and for every Philadelphian who feels like city government doesn’t work for them.”
Cohen, Mallios and Fletman were initially recommended for endorsement last month by a subset of the committee.
The committee did not make an endorsement for mayor.