Why a West Philly political dynasty is ending

After 27 years, West Philly Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell suffered a surprising defeat last week. Does her defeat speak more to her own record or to her changing district?

Air Date: May 30, 2019

Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Jannie Blackwell and her late husband have held a City Council seat in West Philadelphia for a combined 45 years — that is, until her surprising defeat in last week’s Democratic primary by political newcomer Jamie Gauthier. Why was Blackwell the only district council person to lose reelection this year? And does her defeat speak more to her own record or to her rapidly changing district? WHYY senior reporter Dave Davies and PlanPhilly’s Jake Blumgart explain on this episode of The Why.

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