In Democratic ward elections full of infighting (and physical fighting!) Philly progressives make key gains - Billy Penn

Since it’s a ward leader’s decision which path to take, progressive groups — some affiliated with pro-reform group Reclaim Philadelphia or national orgs like the Democratic Socialists of America, and others that have coalesced on a local level — have been pushing their own candidates for the position.

That has led to contested ward leader elections, and at least six wards saw notable leadership turnover this week.

Organized progressive candidates who explicitly want to open their wards won in Ward 15 (Fairmount), 24 (West Philly), and 39a (South Philly). Ward 43 in North Philly also saw an outsider candidate take power. Read more here