PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A former member of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration is launching a bid for Philadelphia mayor, positioning herself ahead of next year’s election.
Shania Bennett, 26, previously served as Parker’s Director of Youth Engagement before leaving the administration in May.
Before that, she worked for state legislators and became one of the youngest committee members in city history for the 48th Ward at age 18.
“I’ve just, I’ve done everything that adults have done just 10 years earlier,” Bennett said.
Bennett has not yet released a detailed policy platform, but she said her priorities include addressing root causes of crime such as poverty, jobs and education, while also making it easier to do business in Philadelphia.
As she begins connecting with voters, Bennett said she hopes to engage younger residents through both traditional outreach and digital platforms.
“When we talk about engagement and pulling people out in general, I look at social media as a tool. Social media does not equate to votes,” Bennett said.
She said voter outreach must go beyond online engagement.
“If you don’t engage, if we don’t find creative ways to meet people where they’re at during times, accessibility means nothing without being responsible,” Bennett said.
The Philadelphia mayoral election is scheduled for next year, with the primary election set for May.
Parker, Bennett’s former boss, has spent more than two decades in elected public office.
Bennett is currently the first announced challenger to seek the city’s top office.
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