David Oh and his supporters spent their election night at Emperor Restaurant, hoping to see the republican candidate become Philadelphia’s next mayor. Tuesday night didn’t go as Oh wanted, with Cherelle Parker being declared the mayoral elect.
Oh served as a Philadelphia city council member from January 2012 to February 2023 and resigned to run for city mayor. He attempted to become the city’s first republican mayor since Bernard Samuel – Philadelphia’s 89th mayor – who held office from 1941 to 1952.
Oh’s supporters commended the candidate for his campaign effort. Animyt Bhattacharya has been by Oh’s side as a volunteer and close friend of Oh since 2003 and will continue to do so.
“I’ve maintained that friendship. I told him, ‘Whatever you do, I’m with you.’ We discussed these things – his decision to run again, not run again for city council at large. Go for mayor. I thought he did the right thing by running for mayor. I was all for it and said, ‘Give it your best.’ I know he did.”
Oh is taking his time to figure out his next move. He grew frustrated in his previous role as a city council member at large, believing he was constantly recycling bills instead of making a difference. Oh is convinced he can still be of service and is determined to help the city he grew up in.
“Whether I chose it or not, I have more time for my wife and kids,” Oh joked. “And maybe I’ll look in a bit of a different direction. Something that I can contribute in another way, so that’s something I’ll ponder.”
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