PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- Philadelphia mayoral candidate Jeff Brown has picked up another big municipal union endorsement. The Fraternal Order of Police announced it’s backing Brown in next month’s Democratic primary.
In a statement, FOP Lodge 5 President John McNesby encouraged current and former officers to vote for Brown on May 16.
“Our brave men and women who risk their lives each and every day to protect our city deserve a Mayor that has their backs and support. Jeff Brown promises to work collaboratively with the Philadelphia police department to address violent crime in our great city and hire the necessary officers to get the job done,” McNesby said. “Brown will also work tirelessly for livable wages and benefits for our rank-and-file police officers and first responders.”
Brown was also endorsed by the city’s biggest union, District Council 33, which represents blue-collar workers.
The city’s white-collar union, District Council 47, endorsed Helen Gym.
The Philadelphia firefighters union has not endorsed but has given money to both Brown and Gym.
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Labor endorsements have generally been split among Brown, Gym and candidate Cherelle Parker. Parker is endorsed by the Building Trades Council.
Union endorsements can be important because they often come with campaign contributions and volunteers to get the vote out.
The FOP has a mixed record on picking winners. In last November’s election, the union backed Gov. Josh Shapiro. They also endorsed Mehmet Oz, who lost to John Fetterman in the U.S. Senate race.