Language
Philly mayoral candidate wants series of debates

News

HomeHome / News / Philly mayoral candidate wants series of debates
search
RECENT NEWS

Jun 04, 2023

Medical Adhesive Tapes Market 2023 Size, Trends, Demand and future scope with top Key players

Dec 29, 2023

Hydrops Fetalis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Aug 03, 2023

From IPL to Test mode: Shubman Gill details WTC challenge

Apr 10, 2023

How to Start an IV? 50+ Tips on IV Insertion, Rolling Veins (2020 Update)

Jun 11, 2023

Needle Free Injection System (NFIS) for Vaccination

SEND YOUR INQUIRY
SUBMIT

Oct 04, 2023

Philly mayoral candidate wants series of debates

Photo Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios. Photo: City Council Philadelphia,

Photo Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios. Photo: City Council Philadelphia, Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

Republican mayoral nominee David Oh wants Democrat Cherelle Parker to commit to a series of debates ahead of the general election in November.

Driving the news: Oh, a former council member, tells Axios he'd like the two to engage in at least five televised debates, preferably in different council districts.

Why it matters: Now that the field has narrowed, it's important for voters to hear from both candidates on issues ranging from policing to education before deciding on Philly's 100th mayor.

Flashback: Parker won a hard-fought Democratic primary, beating out technocrat Rebecca Rhynhart and progressive stalwart Helen Gym in the city's most expensive mayor's race. Oh ran unopposed.

What they're saying: Oh tells Axios that Parker could get away with not debating an "unknown, unsupported Republican." But not someone who is a former prosecutor and city lawmaker.

The other side: "We will consider each debate invitation as it comes," campaign spokesperson Aren Platt told Axios. "But at this stage, we are only focused on talking directly to voters."

Zoom in: Mayor Jim Kenney didn't debate GOP candidate Bill Ciancaglini in 2019.

Yes, but: Television still "drives the needle" in mayoral races, and Parker could use the forums as a "listening tour" to firm up support among undecided voters, Rashed said.

The bottom line: "This is an opportunity to give the city a new civic lesson. It would remind people that, yes, in reality, this is a two-party town," Rashed said. "It's not a coronation."

Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Philadelphia.

Support local journalism by becoming a member.

Learn more

No stories could be found

Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Philadelphia.

Support local journalism by becoming a member.

Learn more

Republican mayoral nominee David Oh Driving the news: Why it matters: Flashback: What they're saying: The other side: Zoom in: Yes, but: The bottom line: