1839 Philadelphia mayoral election explained

Election Name:1839 Philadelphia mayoral election
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Year:1838
Next Year:1840
1Blank:General election vote
2Blank:General election percentage
3Blank:City Council vote
4Blank:City Council percentage
Image1:John-Swift-Mayor-of-Philadelphia-e1486412581340 (1).jpg
Nominee1:John Swift
1Data1:3,343
2Data1:35.92%
3Data1:26
4Data1:100%
Nominee2:John K. Kane
1Data2:3,294
2Data2:35.39%
3Data2:0
4Data2:0.00%
Image3:3x4.svg
Nominee3:John C. Montgomery
1Data3:2,670
2Data3:28.69%
Mayor
Before Election:Isaac Roach
After Election:John Swift
After Party:Whig Party (United States)

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.