1839 Philadelphia mayoral election

1839 Philadelphia mayoral election

Nominee John Swift John K. Kane John C. Montgomery General election vote 3,343 3,294 2,670 General election percentage 35.92% 35.39% 28.69% City Council vote 26 0 City Council percentage 100% 0.00%

Mayor before election Isaac Roach Elected mayor John Swift Whig

The 1839 Philadelphia mayoral election saw John Swift return to office for a seventh overall non-consecutive term.

This was the first Philadelphia mayoral election in which members of the general public were able to vote. Prior to this, the City Council solely elected mayors of Philadelphia. Beginning in 1839, the city began to operate under a mixed electoral system. Citizens voted for mayor in a general election. If a candidate received a majority of the vote, they would be elected mayor. However, if no candidate received a majority, the City Council would select a mayor from the top-two finishers.

Results

General election

1839 Philadelphia mayoral election results (general election)

Candidate		Votes	%
John Swift		3,343	35.92%
John K. Kane		3,294	35.39%
John C. Montgomery		2,670	28.69%
Total votes		9,307

City Council (runoff)

1839 Philadelphia mayoral election results (City Council runoff)

Candidate		Votes	%
John Swift		26	100%
John K. Kane		0	0.00%
Total votes		26