The 1979 Philadelphia mayoral election saw the election of William J. Green III.
Ahead of the election there had been an unsuccessful effort to amend the city charter to allow incumbent mayor Frank Rizzo to run for a third consecutive term.
Democratic primary Candidates Charles W. Bowser, former Deputy Mayor and independent candidate for mayor in 1975 George G. Britt, Jr., management consultant and perennial candidate C. Douglas Clark William J. Green III, former U.S. Representative and candidate for U.S. Senate in 1976 Frank Lomento, pretzel vendor and perennial candidate Ralph C. Morrone Ronald David Tinney Gil W. Veasey Inez Walker
Withdrew Albert V. Gaudiosi, former City Commerce Director William G. Klenk, City Controller
Results
Republican primary Candidates David W. Marston, former U.S. Attorney and candidate for governor in 1978
Results Marston was unopposed for the Republican nomination.
General election
Candidates
Lucien Blackwell, City Councilman from District 3 (Consumer) William J. Green III, former U.S. Representative and candidate for U.S. Senate in 1976 (Democratic) David W. Marston, former U.S. Attorney and candidate for governor in 1978 (Republican)
Results
References