PHILADELPHIA - A Democratic primary that will likely determine who becomes Philadelphia’s next mayor could boost a progressive cause struggling to make a comeback after national setbacks, but with no clear front-runner it's just as likely to fortify the city's existing Democratic machine.Not one of the five top candidates has emerged as a clear favorite in Tuesday's primary, a digression from mayoral races in recent history, said Richardson Dilworth, author of the book "Reforming Philadelphia," which examines the city’s government over the course of 350 years."The political structure of the city is in a moment that is somewhat unprecedented," he said. "It’s ideologically incredibly cohesive.
But ... there’s nothing taking that cohesive ideology and converting it into a unified governance for the city."RELATED COVERAGE: Philadelphia's Next Mayor: Candidates vied for spot as race frontrunner in televised debateThe progressive movement — which has focused on local races to counter national setbacks — has its sights on the Philadelphia race after being energized by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's recent victory and other progressive wins on the St.
Louis City Council.Our Revolution, a movement born during Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential race and now one of the largest progressive organizations in the country, has endorsed Helen Gym, a former member of the City Council.
Sanders has also personally endorsed her, and appeared alongside her ahead of the primary, along with progressive U.S. Rep.