City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd dist.) was officially elected by colleagues last week to be the new president of Council.
Johnson, 50, unofficially wrapped up the necessary votes in early October. Curtis Jones was his top opponent. Mike Driscoll and Mark Squilla also sought the presidency.
“As a member of City Council since 2012, I have focused my time on improving education, affordable housing, business development, public safety, job training and access to employment for my Second Council District constituents. I will still work hard for my Second District residents, but as a citywide leader, I will use all of my skills and energy to improve life for all Philadelphians as Council president,” he said.
Council also selected at-large Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson to serve as majority Leader, at-large Councilman Isaiah Thomas as majority whip and Eighth District Councilwoman Cindy Bass as deputy whip.
The new minority-party leader is at-large Councilwoman Kendra Brooks and minority whip is at-large Councilman Nicolas O’Rourke, both of the far-left Working Families Party.
Johnson replaces retired Council President Darrell Clarke, who served as the Fifth District Councilman for 24 years and the last 12 years as Council president.
Johnson is the ninth Council president since 1951, when the Home Rule Charter was adopted, and the second Council President to represent the Second Council District. Anna Verna, the only woman to serve as Council president, was the first.
The 2nd Councilmanic District includes parts of South and Southwest Philadelphia and Center City.
Before joining Council, Johnson, a Point Breeze resident, was a state representative from 2009-11.
City Council will meet on Jan. 25.
