By James Williams, Editor

Northwest Philadelphia: The Core of City Politics

Northwest Philadelphia has long been a dominant force in shaping the city’s political landscape, producing influential leaders and setting the tone for governance.

The region has been a powerhouse for political talent, cultivating both elected officials and behind-the-scenes operatives who understand grassroots activism and city governance.

Marian Tasco, a key figure in the Northwest Coalition, shaped policies benefiting working-class and minority communities while mentoring future leaders. John White played a pivotal role in Democratic politics, influencing policy at both the city and state levels. David Richardson, a state representative, was a fierce advocate for civil rights, education, and criminal justice reform, leaving a lasting legislative impact.

Frank Rizzo, though widely recognized as a South Philadelphia law-and-order politician, was actually a resident of Northwest Philadelphia for much of his life. Despite his tough-on-crime stance that often clashed with progressive Black leaders, he had to engage with the political power structures of the Northwest. His residence in the area underscored the necessity for any serious mayoral contender—no matter their political background—to acknowledge and navigate the Northwest’s political influence.

Jerry Mondesire, the longtime publisher of the Philadelphia Sunday Sun and a prominent NAACP leader, was a key figure in shaping political discourse in the city. Through his newspaper and activism, he amplified issues affecting Black Philadelphians, holding politicians accountable while supporting policies that advanced civil rights and economic equity. His work ensured that the Northwest’s political influence extended beyond elections and into media and advocacy.

Bill Miller, a respected political strategist and community leader, played a vital role in mobilizing voters and shaping campaigns throughout Philadelphia. His deep connections within the political landscape, especially in the Northwest, made him a key player in city and state politics. Through his work, he helped build coalitions, guided candidates to victory, and ensured that the voices of working-class and Black Philadelphians remained at the forefront of political discussions.

The Northwest Coalition, an alliance of influential Black leaders, mobilized voters, secured political appointments, and championed policies for Black and working-class Philadelphians. Leaders such as Dwight Evans, Rosita Youngblood, David Richardson, Bill Miller, and Stephen Kinsey have carried this legacy forward, ensuring the region remains a dominant force in citywide elections.

Northwest Philadelphia continues to be a political stronghold, shaping leadership and governance across the city.


The Most Influential Leaders in Northwest Philadelphia Today

The political legacy of the Northwest is alive and well, led by a powerful group of elected officials, community leaders, and faith-based figures. These individuals are shaping policies, controlling political narratives, and ensuring that the Northwest remains the most powerful force in city politics.

Here’s a look at the Most Influential Figures in Northwest Philadelphia today:

1. Mayor Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia’s first woman mayor and Ward Leader of the Mighty 50th Ward, has made significant strides in public safety, community development, and economic growth in her first year. Under her leadership, the city saw a 37% decrease in homicides and a 36% drop in shootings in 2024, marking the lowest crime levels in a decade. Her administration expanded community policing by deploying over 200 new officers on foot and bike patrols, strengthening relationships between law enforcement and residents. To improve the city’s cleanliness and public spaces, her Clean and Green Initiative led to the cleanup of more than 40,000 blocks and commercial corridors, tackling illegal dumping and revitalizing neighborhoods. In education and housing, Parker’s administration committed $250 million to improving school infrastructure over the next five years. She also announced plans to develop 30,000 new housing units, emphasizing affordability and addressing the city’s growing housing needs. A major economic initiative under her leadership was the proposed $1.3 billion Philadelphia 76ers downtown arena, fully financed by the team. The deal includes a $50 million community benefits package, but it has faced opposition from Chinatown activists concerned about its potential impact on the neighborhood. Through crime reduction, citywide cleanup efforts, increased affordable housing, and economic growth initiatives, Parker has positioned her administration as one focused on making Philadelphia a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous city. While some initiatives have sparked debate, her first year in office has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the city’s most pressing challenges.

2. Councilman Isaiah Thomas – A key figure in shaping citywide policies, Thomas is a crucial voice on Council, particularly for education and youth advocacy. He championed the Driving Equality law, which reclassified certain minor traffic offenses to reduce racial disparities in traffic stops. The law has led to a decrease in unnecessary stops and improved police-community relations. Thomas continues to advocate for equitable policies and has been instrumental in budget discussions to allocate resources for community development and public safety initiatives.

3. Councilman Anthony Phillips – A rising star in City Council, Phillips represents the 9th District and has quickly established himself as an engaged and effective member. In 2024, he passed legislation enabling traffic calming measures near schools, cracked down on illegal truck parking, enacted a law to shut down nuisance businesses, and banned ski masks in public facilities. Phillips is dedicated to improving Philadelphia’s quality of life and continues his long history of advocating for children and families as Chair of the Committee on Children and Youth.

4. Sheriff Rochelle Bilal – A trailblazer as the first African American woman elected as Philadelphia’s Sheriff, Bilal has implemented significant initiatives to enhance community relations. In 2023, her office launched the Autism Decal Program, providing free decals to alert emergency responders that a person with autism is present in a home or vehicle, aiming to improve interactions and safety. By 2025, the Sheriff’s Office became the first law enforcement agency in Pennsylvania to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation, with over 80% of personnel completing specialized autism training. These efforts underscore Bilal’s commitment to inclusivity and effective community engagement.

5. Councilwoman Cindy Bass, also serves as the Democratic Ward Leader of Philadelphia’s powerful 22nd Ward, has been a key political force in Northwest Philadelphia. In 2024, she focused on community improvements, including food security, parks, schools, job training, and neighborhood development while tackling blight and advocating for expanded public services. Under her leadership, the 22nd Ward maintained strong voter engagement, contributing to Philadelphia’s 62.9% voter turnout in the presidential election. Her efforts continue to shape the political and social landscape of Northwest Philadelphia.

6. State Representative Chris Rabb, the leader of the progressive movement in Northwest Philadelphia, challenging the traditional Democratic power structure. Since taking office in 2017, he has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies, focusing on issues such as gun control, environmental justice, and government transparency.
In the 2023-2024 legislative session, Rabb sponsored and co-sponsored several key pieces of legislation. House Bill 1852 aims to strengthen firearm regulations by imposing stricter requirements on firearm sales and transfers, mandating security measures for gun dealers, and establishing the Retail Licensee Inspection Fund and the Firearm Dealer Safety Grant Program. He also co-sponsored House Bill 336, which seeks to ban the future sale of specific assault weapons in Pennsylvania to enhance public safety. Beyond gun legislation, Rabb has been active in environmental advocacy. In June 2024, he introduced a bill targeting “greenwashing,” a deceptive practice where companies falsely market their products as environmentally friendly. The legislation aims to protect consumers by ensuring that products labeled as green or sustainable meet genuine environmental standards. As the leader of the progressive movement in Northwest Philadelphia, Rabb continues to push for policies that disrupt the status quo, advocating for reforms in public safety, environmental integrity, and government accountability.

7. Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller, Senior Pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, continued his influential work in ministry and music. He released a new single, “I’ve Decided To Make Jesus My Choice,” showcasing his enduring passion for music and ministry.  In April 2024, Dr. Waller celebrated his 60th birthday with a live performance at City Winery Philadelphia, blending jazz and gospel. The event’s proceeds were donated to local organizations supporting young Black men and nurturing artistic talents in youth.  These accomplishments highlight Dr. Waller’s ongoing commitment to community enrichment and spiritual leadership.

8. Kimberly A. Lloyd is the President and CEO of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC), a nonprofit organization focused on economic development and community revitalization in Northwest Philadelphia. With over 35 years of experience in corporate finance and banking, she previously held executive roles at City National Bank and GMAC Commercial Mortgage/Capmark Finance, where she managed over $500 million in commercial loans.
Since taking over OARC in 2014, she has led initiatives across five key areas: business and economic development, housing, community engagement, arts and culture, and sustainability. Lloyd is also deeply involved in civic leadership, serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Lincoln University and a member of organizations like the Pennsylvania Society and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her work continues to shape the growth and sustainability of Northwest Philadelphia.

9. Brandon Brown – Formerly the Republican 50th Ward Chair and PA Black Engagement Director for Team Trump, Brown recently joined HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) in a community engagement role, expanding his influence beyond partisan politics and into federal policy implementation. His efforts have coincided with a notable increase in African American support for Trump in Pennsylvania, with 24% of Black men in the state voting for Trump in 2024, up from 14% in 2016.

10. State Representative Andre Carroll is a rising star in Pennsylvania politics, representing the 201st District in Northwest Philadelphia. As one of the youngest members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Carroll has quickly gained prominence for his advocacy on social justice, education, and economic equity.
A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Carroll’s election marks a significant step toward increased representation and diversity in the state legislature. His presence contributes to the growing number of LGBTQ+ elected officials working to advance equality and inclusion in Pennsylvania. Before joining the state legislature, Carroll was deeply involved in community organizing, working to address issues affecting underserved communities, particularly in housing, education, and criminal justice reform. His legislative priorities continue to focus on these areas, along with advocating for stronger LGBTQ+ rights, protections against discrimination, and policies supporting marginalized communities. As his influence grows in Harrisburg, Carroll represents a new generation of leadership committed to progressive change and equitable governance.

11. Congressman Dwight Evans – A political veteran, Evans continues to bring federal resources to Philadelphia and remains a heavyweight in Pennsylvania politics.

12. State Sen. Art Haywood – A key figure in state-level politics, Haywood is known for his work on economic justice and public safety.

13. State Rep. Darisha Parker was active in 2024, focusing on menstrual equity, securing community funding, and consumer protection. She helped secure $3 million for menstrual products in schools and $1 million for Happy Hollow Recreation Center. She also advocated for stronger consumer protection laws against misleading contracts.

14. Rev. James Buck – The pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Buck is a major faith leader with deep ties to the political community.

15. Leo Dillinger – As a leader in the Germantown CDC, Dillinger is deeply involved in community development and neighborhood revitalization.



Conclusion

As Philadelphia politics continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the Northwest is still the engine that drives the city’s political machine. From the days of Marian Tasco, John White, and David Richardson to the power players of today, this region has consistently produced leaders, shaped elections, and defined policy debates.