Reclaim Philadelphia

Reclaim Philadelphia
Region served
Philadelphia
Membership870[1] (2021)
Lead Organizer
Kelly Morton[2]
Political Director
Amanda McIllmurray[2]

Reclaim Philadelphia is an American progressive activist group based in the city of Philadelphia. Strongly associated with the 501c4 group Pennsylvania Stands Up, Reclaim was founded out of the structures created by the Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign.[3]

History

Reclaim Philadelphia was founded after Bernie Sanders had suspended his 2016 presidential campaign, as several Philadelphia-based activists disappointed with his loss decided to form an activist group in order to continue to advocate for what they viewed as progressive policies.[4] The victory of Donald Trump in that year's presidential election galvanised the group, which began to hold more regular meetings as a result.[5] Officially the Philadelphia chapter of the national group Our Revolution, Reclaim was active in Larry Krasner's successful 2017 campaign to become Philadelphia district attorney, credited by Krasner as having a "key role" in his victory.[6] In the 2018 election cycle, Reclaim members took control of the 1st and 2nd Philadelphia wards, located in South Philadelphia.[6] Reclaim is noted for its approach to city politics, instructing its members to run for the position of Democratic committeeman in their local area as a way to take control of the Philadelphia ward system.[7]

Reclaim was active in assisting the election campaign of Kendra Brooks to the Philadelphia City Council.[8] In 2020, two members of Reclaim, Nikil Saval, who had co-founded the organization, and Rick Krajewski, were elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature, primarying incumbents Larry Farnese and James R. Roebuck respectively.[9][7]

References

  1. ^ "About". Reclaim Philadelphia. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Organizers". Reclaim Philadelphia. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  3. ^ Lynn, David (February 20, 2020). "Reclaim Philadelphia – A Progressive Turnout PAC". Philadelphia Public Record. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  4. ^ Otterbein, Holly (July 23, 2018). "'A political revolution': Meet the left-wing group that's slaying Democratic giants in Philly". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  5. ^ Dougherty, Mackenzie J. (December 7, 2016). "Reclaim Philadelphia Tackles the Aftermath of the Election". Temple Update. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  6. ^ a b Brennan, Chris; Walsh, Sean Collins (February 7, 2020). "Vince Fumo's old district is the scene of the latest battle between old and new Philadelphia politics". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  7. ^ a b Piccarella, Stephen (May 29, 2020). "Reclaiming Harrisburg". Jacobin. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  8. ^ Caruso, Stephen (February 20, 2020). "In Philly, progressive candidates slug it out with Democratic incumbents". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  9. ^ Terruso, Julie (June 16, 2020). "Bernie Sanders is done but his fans in Pennsylvania keep winning primaries". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved May 19, 2021.