Katherine Gilmore Richardson (Democrat)
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Katherine Gilmore Richardson (Democrat)

(Incumbent)

Campaign website

www.katherineforphilly.com

What is one life experience you have that voters should know about?

I was born in South Philadelphia to a sixteen-year old mother, who gave me up for adoption at birth. My parents, James and Pastor Lorraine Jenkins Gilmore, raised my sister and I in Wynnefield. My parents support enabled me to attend some of the best public schools in the City of Philadelphia, including Gompers, Masterman and the Philadelphia High School for Girls, before earning a full tuition scholarship to West Chester University of Pennsylvania. The loving guidance of my parents, my faith, and the education I received and my lived experience form the foundation of my worldview and my politics.

What would be your top three policy priorities in office?

1. Improve public safety and quality of life issues in every neighborhood in the City of Philadelphia. Your zip code should not determine your life expectancy.

2. Ensure every child graduates college or career ready.

3. Address climate change and environmental justice through a whole of government approach

What sets you apart from other candidates?

I am a lifelong Philadelphian who deeply understands the needs of our communities through my lived experience. My family lives in every corner of this City, and I have been here for our darkest moments and our brightest ones. I attended Philadelphia public schools and started in City Council as an intern and volunteer and have served in every position one can have as a staffer. I know how to navigate City Government to make it work for our kids, our neighborhoods and our City. There is no one I will not work with or reach out to if it means improving the lives of Philadelphians, and I feel that I have proven that commitment over my first term. I am a mom who gets the job done.

How do you plan to work across ideological lines to achieve shared goals?

Build inclusive coalitions of community members and stakeholders to get policy passed. There is no one I will not work with or reach out to if it means improving the lives of Philadelphians, and I feel that I have proven that commitment over my first term.

The Committee of Seventy has partnered with the Carter Center to promote the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections to improve the voting process, encourage honest leadership, and promote civic engagement. Do you support the Candidate Principles?

Yes