History of Cherelle Parker in Timeline

Cherelle Lesley Parker is an American politician and the current mayor of Philadelphia, assuming office in 2024. Notably, she is the first woman to hold the mayoral position in the city's history. Her political career signifies a breakthrough for women in Philadelphia politics. Further details about her policies and background would provide a more comprehensive understanding of her significance.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 9, 1972: Cherelle Parker's Birth

On September 9, 1972, Cherelle Lesley Parker was born. She would later become the 100th mayor of Philadelphia.

Others born on this day/year

1990: Won Oratorical Competition

In 1990, while a senior at Parkway High School, Parker won a citywide oratorical competition. This victory led to a cash prize, a trip to Senegal and Morocco, and an internship with Marian B. Tasco.

1994: Worked as High School English Teacher

After graduating from Lincoln University in 1994, Parker briefly worked as a high school English teacher in Pleasantville, New Jersey.

1994: Graduated from Lincoln University

In 1994, Parker graduated from Lincoln University and became a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

1995: Returned to Tasco's Office

In 1995, Parker returned to Marian Tasco's office, where she took on various roles for a decade.

2003: John F. Street's Election Showing

The general election where Parker defeated Oh, saw a lower showing by a Democrat than John F. Street in the 2003 election.

2005: Elected to Pennsylvania House of Representatives

In 2005, Parker was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 200th district in Northwest Philadelphia.

2010: Married Ben Mullins

In 2010, Parker married Ben Mullins, a leader in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. They have a son named Langston.

2011: Arrested for DUI

In 2011, Parker was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

2012: Supported Act 75

In 2012, Parker, as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, supported Act 75, which amended state law to allow expert testimony in sexual assault cases.

2015: Elected to Philadelphia City Council

In 2015, Parker was elected to represent the ninth district on the Philadelphia City Council.

2015: DUI Appeal Lost and Sentenced

In 2015, after losing an appeal, Parker was sentenced to three days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a one-year driver's license suspension for a DUI conviction.

2019: Re-elected to Philadelphia City Council

In 2019, Parker was re-elected to the Philadelphia City Council.

January 2020: Defeated Henon to become majority leader

In January 2020, Parker defeated Bobby Henon to become the majority leader for the Democrats on the Philadelphia City Council.

2020: Became Majority Leader

In 2020, Parker became the majority leader on the Philadelphia City Council.

February 2021: Elected Chair of Delaware River Port Authority

In February 2021, Parker was elected as the chair of the board for the Delaware River Port Authority.

September 7, 2022: Resigned and Announced Mayoral Candidacy

On September 7, 2022, Parker resigned from the Philadelphia City Council and announced her candidacy for Mayor of Philadelphia in the 2023 election. She also registered as a lobbyist and secured Longwood Gardens and Moore College of Art and Design as clients.

September 2022: Resigned from City Council

In September 2022, Parker resigned from the Philadelphia City Council and announced her candidacy in the 2023 Philadelphia mayoral election.

2022: Pledged to hire additional police officers

In 2022, Parker pledged to hire 300 additional police officers in an op-ed for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

2022: Service as Majority Leader Ended

In 2022, Parker's service as majority leader on the Philadelphia City Council concluded.

May 2023: Won Democratic Primary

In May 2023, Parker won the Democratic primary in the Philadelphia mayoral election.

May 16, 2023: Won Democratic Primary

On May 16, 2023, Parker won the Democratic primary for the Philadelphia mayoral election with 32.6% of the vote.

2023: Supported Extended School Days

In 2023, Parker supported opening schools for longer durations and year-round schooling. She proposed a pilot program and increasing the allocation of real estate taxes for the Philadelphia School District.

January 1, 2024: Parker's Term as Mayor Began

On January 1, 2024, Parker's term as mayor of Philadelphia began. However, she was not formally sworn in until January 2 to avoid conflicting with the Mummers Parade. Her transition team was noted for being slow to appoint commissioners.

July 15, 2024: Return to In-Person Work

By July 15, 2024, Parker ordered a return to full-time, in-person work for all city employees.

September 2024: Supported 76 Place at Market East Development

In September 2024, Parker announced her support for the proposed 76 Place at Market East development, despite community objections, before its cancellation.

2024: Became Mayor of Philadelphia

In 2024, Cherelle Parker became the 100th mayor of Philadelphia, making her the first woman to hold the office.

2024: Proposed City Budget

In 2024, Parker released her proposed city budget for fiscal year 2024–2025. It included increased funding for the police, city cleaning efforts, and an increase in the School District of Philadelphia's share of the real estate tax. There was a proposed $1 million cut to Prevention Point.

2025: Proposed City Budget for 2024-2025

Parker's proposed city budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 included increased funding for police, city cleaning, and a real estate tax increase for the School District of Philadelphia.