Rumors Grow Over Possible Krasner Primary Bid Against Mayor Cherelle Parker

Philly's DA shut down talk of a mayoral run, but the speculation shows that the ideological tension among Democrats in Philly isn’t going away

Rumors were flying this past week that Philly DA Larry Krasner might take a shot at primarying Mayor Cherelle Parker in 2027. Unfortunately, he shut that down.

Krasner dismissed any speculation that he’s planning a primary challenge, instead saying that he’s focused on his job and suggested that “insiders” were stirring up division for their own benefit. The rumors picked up steam after Axios reported that some political figures and strategists were floating his name. And given that Charelle Parker’s political action committee showed that she raised $1.7 million last year for a race this far out is telling. It signals that there is a progressive preparing for a primary fight.

Why people thought this might be real

Parker is a centrist Democrat backed by the party establishment. She’s taken a law enforcement heavy approach to city issues like the Kensington drug market and has been cautious of criticizing Donald Trump.

Krasner, is the city’s most well known progressive elected official. He just won a third term in a landslide & has built a nationwide profile as a reform prosecutor and one of the loudest anti Trump voices in city government.

Progressives in the city have been frustrated with some of Parker’s actions, so the idea of someone like Krasner challenging her isn’t unexpected.

This primary would definitely get very messy. Both rely heavily on support from Black voters and political leaders. A primary between them could definitely split that coalition.

There’s also a possibility that Krasner is looking toward higher office, although he has mentioned that he is not interested. Some Democrats are eyeing John Fetterman’s Senate seat in 2028. The rumor is less about Krasner’s ambitions & more about whether Philly’s progressive base is satisfied with the direction the city is headed.

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Best move for progressives?

Some on the left want a shift away from centrist governance, especially around policing, public safety, and how directly local politicians combat Trump.

Others worry that constant inter-party battles drain energy and fracture the coalition necessary to defend democracy.

Krasner clearly sees the moment as one that requires unity, at least publicly. His statement emphasized standing together during these times.

It’s good that someone sees the moment. Federal power is being used aggressively. Cities are likely to face funding fights, legal battles, political attacks and ICE deployment.

Unity needs direction

At the same time, calls for unity can’t just mean fall in line. Progressives are raising real concerns about the overreliance on policing as a solution to complex social issues as well as current officials hesitancy to directly confront authoritarian federal moves. The influence of establishment donors and political machines has also been at the forefront of the progressive discussion for decades.

If those concerns get dismissed, the tension stays.

The 2028 shadow

I definitely think the Senate speculation is worth watching … if Fetterman runs again, he will most definitely face a progressive primary. There isn’t a progressive better positioned to do this than Larry Krasner.