by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica.com
At just 26 years old, Shania Bennett is making a name for herself as one of the youngest mayoral candidates in Philadelphia’s history, and she is the first to declare her intention to challenge her former boss, incumbent Mayor Cherelle Parker, in the Democratic primary.
“They say I’m too young, because they can’t say I’m not capable,” Bennett said during a kickoff event for her campaign for mayor of Philadelphia, WHYY reported.
“Every time someone tells me I am too young, I will remind them that leadership is not measured by how many birthdays you had,” she added. “Every time someone tells me that I’m too young, I’ll ask them, am I too young to care? Am I too young to understand?”
“Yes, I’m significantly younger than our current leadership, but the potholes are old, and the excuses are even older,” she continued.
At the age of 18, Bennett made history as one of the youngest committee members in South Philadelphia’s 48th Ward and was elected as the ward treasurer. She held the position of Parker’s director of youth engagement until her resignation in May.
Bennett has not yet shared a specific policy plan. She revealed that her campaign has been asked about her identity as a Democrat, with some wanting her to clarify if she identifies as a Socialist or Progressive.
“I want to be very clear. I will be whatever works for Philadelphia,” she remarked. “Because I do not think it’s progressive or socialist for Philadelphians to have a government [that] prioritizes them.”
As the election approaches, she expressed her desire for her campaign to encourage voters who have often been overlooked or disengaged from civic activities.
In addition to engaging young voters, she seeks to reach out to low-income communities. Bennett describes poverty as “a form of voter suppression,” highlighting that individuals who work night shifts or during polling hours may find it difficult to vote in person unless they choose mail-in ballots.
“There are little things like that where I care about how they engage in the [democratic] process and about making it as accessible as possible,” she told WHYY News.
She also plans to organize as many free events as possible to ensure there are no financial barriers.
“If you have nothing to give [financially], support from where you can. That’s how I look to engage, not by making it intimidating for people,” she said.
However, WHYY pointed out that Bennett’s campaign faces difficulties, as no sitting mayor in Philadelphia has lost reelection under the Home Rule Charter since 1951.
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