James "Jim" F. Kenney is a prominent figure in Philadelphia politics, having served as a long-term City Councilman before being elected as the 99th Mayor of Philadelphia. A lifelong Philadelphian and a Democrat, Kenney's political career has been marked by a focus on progressive policies, social issues, and a deep connection to the city's neighborhoods.
A Look Back at the Career of Jim Kenney, Philadelphia's 99th Mayor
Born on August 7, 1958, in South Philadelphia, Jim Kenney's roots in the city run deep. He was first elected to the Philadelphia City Council in 1991, winning an At-Large seat. For the next 23 years, from January 1992 until his resignation in January 2015, he was a fixture in city government. During his time on City Council, he was known for championing various causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and the decriminalization of marijuana.
In 2015, Kenney resigned from his Council seat to launch his candidacy for mayor. He won a crowded Democratic primary by a landslide in May 2015. On November 3, 2015, he was elected Mayor of Philadelphia, soundly defeating his Republican rival, Melissa Murray Bailey.
Jim Kenney served two full terms as Mayor of Philadelphia, from January 2016 to January 2024. His tenure as mayor was marked by several significant initiatives and challenges:
- Pre-K and Community Schools: His signature achievement was the establishment of a citywide, publicly funded pre-kindergarten program (PHLpreK) and the creation of community schools, both funded by the controversial
- Philadelphia Beverage Tax (often called the "soda tax").
- Navigating Crises: His second term was largely defined by navigating major crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
- Gun Violence Epidemic: Like many major American cities, Philadelphia faced a severe increase in gun violence during his tenure, a challenge that became a central focus of his administration's later years.
After serving the maximum two consecutive terms, Jim Kenney's time as mayor concluded in January 2024, when he was succeeded by Mayor Cherelle Parker. His legacy includes major progressive achievements in education, a long and impactful career in city service, and the leadership of Philadelphia through some of its most challenging modern moments.