Tom Knox weighs in on Philly mayor’s race, instead of jumping into it

Millionaire Tom Knox may be endorsing Democratic state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams for Philadelphia mayor next year, but that doesn’t mean Knox is ready to completely rule out running for mayor himself.

Knox, who finished second place in the Democratic mayoral primary in 2007, said he is “almost positive” that he will not enter the race.

However, he added, “You never know what’s going to happen. … I’m never 100 percent on anything anymore.”

Knox has a history of popping in and out of races: He said last year he was going to run for mayor in 2015, but then backed out. He also considered a mayoral run in 2011. And he ran for governor for a second in 2010, but then reversed course, only to again float the possibility of running for governor in 2014.

Regadless, Knox said he is now championing Williams in the 2015 Democratic primary because he has leadership skills and supports school choice.

“Every mother and father wants to send their kid to the best school,” said Knox, “and you need to have choice in order to determine that you’re sending your kid to the best school.”

Williams has supported vouchers in addition to charter schools. 

The Philadelphia Daily News first reported Knox’s endorsement Friday. Knox said he is planning to donate as much as possible to Williams’ campaign under the city’s campaign finance laws. He also expects to hold fundraisers for Williams, but does not anticipate making any indirect contributions.