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Who is Cherelle Parker’s husband? Philadelphia elects first female mayor

Cherelle Parker, 51, emerged from a large field of Democrats on the May 16th Mayoral Primary and was widely favored over Republican David Oh

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Cherelle Parker was elected as Philadelphia's 100th mayor On Tuesday, November 7, 2023. She thus became the city's first female mayor.

Parker, 51, emerged from a large field of Democrats on the May 16th Mayoral Primary and was widely favored over Republican David Oh. She will succeed Democrat Jim Kenney, who was unable to run for re-election owing to term limits.

After winning the mayoral race, many are curious about the identity of the father of her son and her marital status. Let’s delve into the details of Cherelle Parker’s husband and her remarkable victory as a Democratic mayoral candidate.

Cherelle Parker’s marital status

The new mayor of Philadelphia is currently not in a relationship as of 2023. However, Cherelle Parker was previously married to Ben Mullins, and they have a son named Langston Mullins, who is now 10 years old.

In 2010, Cherelle Parker and Ben Mullins had their wedding ceremony at the Enon Church on Coulter Street in Philadelphia.

The event was attended by more than 300 guests, including notable figures such as Mayor Michael Nutter, State Representatives Jewel Williams, John Myers, Ronald Waters, State Senators LeAnna Washington and Anthony Hardy Williams, and Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller.

Reportedly, the bride was escorted down the aisle by City Councilmember Marian Tasco and State Representative Dwight Evans.

Although Parker is often referred to as a "single mother," the reasons behind her separation from her husband have not been publicly disclosed.

Ben Mullins is a union leader in Philadelphia

Ben Mullins is reportedly a union leader for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), specifically under the building trades category. This role highlights his involvement in labor-related matters.

IBEW Local 98 in Philadelphia is currently considered one of the most financially successful IBEW Locals in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It was established on January 5, 1900.

As Cherelle Parker takes on the position of Democratic Mayor of Philadelphia, she has the support of various unions across the city, including IBEW Local 98.

The couple chose to name their child after Langston Hughes, in honor of the renowned figure of the Harlem Renaissance Movement, who was known for popularizing jazz poetry.

Cherelle Parker expressed her deep admiration for Hughes and his work, which inspired her to name her son after him.

Cherelle Parker: A political success

Cherelle Parker's path to political success started when she was very young.

At the age of 17, she began working for Philadelphia City Councilwoman Marian B Tasco, a role that lasted 15 years and sparked her interest in public service.

Later, she became the youngest African American woman to be elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where she served for a decade before turning her attention to the City Council.

During her two terms as Councilmember representing the 9th District, Parker was a strong advocate for neighborhoods in the Northwest and Northeast of Philadelphia such as Mount Airy, West Oak Lane, Olney, and Lawndale.

She took on important leadership positions in the Council, including majority leader, and chaired critical committees focusing on labor, civil service, commerce, and economic development.

Parker's campaign for mayor received significant support from influential organizations and individuals, including the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, Inc., Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke, IBEW Local 98, and the Eastern Atlantic States Council of Carpenters.

Cherelle Parker promised to make Philadelphia the "safest, cleanest, greenest big city in the nation that provides access to economic opportunity for all" during her campaign.

In a previous interview, she acknowledged that these problems cannot be solved by one person or entity alone and that the various branches of government, the private sector, and communities must all work together to address public health and safety concerns.

“We can’t solve these problems alone,” she said.

“We need federal, state, and local government, along with the private sector and philanthropic communities, to help us address the public health and safety.”

Parker's moderate message resonated with voters who are increasingly concerned about public safety, as well as quality-of-life issues such as faulty streetlights, potholes, and trash collection.

She outlined her plan to support the police department, prioritize mental health and behavioral health supports, and connect residents with social and human services, employment opportunities, and workforce development programs to address quality-of-life issues.

In conclusion, Parker's dedication to Philadelphia and its residents has earned her notable achievements and support from various quarters. Her most recent achievement, becoming the Mayor of Philadelphia, makes her a figure to watch in Pennsylvania's political landscape.