AOC and Bernie Sanders line up behind Philadelphia mayoral candidate
Eden Villalovas
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Philadelphia mayoral candidate Helen Gym has received endorsements from big names from the progressive Left, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
Gym announced Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are joining a rally “about joy, possibility, and people power, and that’s the energy we’re bringing with us into Election Day” on Saturday in support of her campaign.
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“Helen Gym is a fighter for working families,” Sanders tweeted. “She has fought for strong public education, legislation to protect tenants’ rights, and healthcare for all. I am proud to endorse her campaign for mayor of Philadelphia.”
Gym, a former member of the Philadelphia City Council, has drawn national attention as a political polarization figure, focusing her campaign on reimagining how local government can assist working families and children. Gym has fought for education reform, a defense fund for immigrants, and benefits for hourly workers.
“Helen isn’t afraid to take on tough fights or go up against big special interests. And when she does, she wins,” Ocasio-Cortez told the Intercept. “She’s delivered real results for her constituents — making communities safer, housing more affordable, and public schools stronger. I am proud to endorse her.”
If Gym is victorious, she will join the ranks of other liberal leaders taking over big cities, such as Brandon Johnson, who won Chicago’s mayoral race last month.
The primary is expected to be close, with Gym as one of five front-runners for the Democratic nomination and voters headed to the polls on May 16.
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The former public school teacher is tied with former City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart in a recent poll, showing each holds 21%.
Other liberals who have pledged their support for Gym include Reps. Greg Casar (D-TX), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Andy Kim (D-NJ). The event will be held at Franklin Music Hall, and doors are expected to open at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.