Endorsement fever in Philly's Democratic mayoral primary

The backing of high-profile celebrities and officials could help sway voters ahead of the May 16 primary.

Why it matters: The Democratic race for mayor is deadlocked among five candidates, per a recent nonpartisan poll.

What’s happening: Helen Gym received the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the two-time presidential candidate from Vermont and unofficial leader of the nation’s progressive movement, yesterday.

• Gym was also endorsed by progressive stalwart U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and actors Jane Fonda and Mark Ruffalo.

Meanwhile, Cherelle Parker continues to receive the backing of many of the city’s establishment groups.

• She unexpectedly won the support of two District Council 33 locals this week despite the largest union of city workers having previously endorsed Democrat Jeff Brown.
• The Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity also endorsed Parker last month.

Rebecca Rhynhart recently added former Pennsylvania governor and ex-Philly mayor Ed Rendell to her endorsement list.

• And Allan Domb got the nod from former Philly mayor Bill Green.

The bottom line: It all got us thinking: What local luminaries could sway your vote in the mayoral race?

• Hit reply to this email and let us know. We’ll post the most notable responses.

Check out who is endorsing who in the mayoral race.