One of Philadelphia’s power brokers is throwing his support behind Jim Kenney.
State Representative Dwight Evans announced today that he is endorsing the ex-City Councilman to be the next Mayor of Philadelphia.
Evans has served in the State House since 1980 and for a time was the Democratic ranking member of the Appropriations Committee. He also ran for Mayor twice in 1999 and 2007.
“Today, a unique coalition of leaders from Northwest Philadelphia announced our support for Jim Kenney for Mayor,” Evans wrote in an email to Kenney supporters. “For me, it all comes down to one simple thing: no matter how tough the fight might be, Jim is never afraid to take on an issue if it’s the right thing to do.”
“I know Jim will take those fights on because his record proves it,” he continued. “Jim fought for marijuana decriminalization, to make sure that African Americans who were being unfairly targeted did not end up with a criminal record. Jim’s fought to end divisive practices like stop-and-frisk.”
“That’s the kind of mayor Philadelphia needs.”
There is an important racial component to this endorsement. Kenney’s main rival is State Senator Anthony Williams. Williams, the son of trailblazer Hardy Williams, is targeting the black vote.
Currently, Philadelphia’s population is about 44% black and 36% white. Therefore, the support of one of the most well-known and successful black politicians in the city could prove a major win for the Kenney campaign.
Just today, a poll conducted for a organization that backs Kenney showed him with a one point lead over Williams. Former DA Lynne Abraham came in third, six points behind Kenney and five behind Williams.