It’s clear: Taubenberger elected to City Council

After a close race on Election Day, it appears Northeast Philadelphia Republican Al Taubenberger will join Philadelphia City Council.

By a margin of fewer than 500 votes, Taubenberger unseated incumbent Republican Denny O’Brien for one of the two at-large seats reserved on Council for minority parties.

Absentee ballots must still be counted, but candidates agreed Friday they aren’t likely to change the outcome.

Reached by phone Thursday, O’Brien said he’d wait for the completion of the official count, but that “this is the way it’s going to finish, unless something untoward surfaces.”

Taubenberger will join incumbent Republican David Oh, who won re-election.

Taubenberger said he’s proud he had some Democratic support.

“I think it shows very strongly my crossover appeal, the fact that I’ve been very open-minded, to discuss things, and working with all Philadelphians regardless of party persuasion,” he said.

Taubenberger has run for Congress, mayor, state representative, and City Council twice.

He’ll be one of five new Council members joining the 17-member body in January, along with Democrats Helen Gym, Allan Domb, Derek Green, and Cherelle Parker.