Editing Michael Nutter (section)

== Political Background ==

Michael Nutter grew up in West Philadelphia and attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He worked in business and finance before entering politics, winning election to City Council in 1991. As a councilman, Nutter developed a reputation as an independent voice willing to challenge party leadership and corruption. He championed campaign finance reform, ethics legislation, and government transparency—positions that sometimes put him at odds with the Democratic organization but built credibility with reform-minded voters. His 2007 mayoral campaign emphasized these good-government credentials.<ref name="bissinger">{{cite book |last=Bissinger |first=Buzz |title=A Prayer for the City |year=1997 |publisher=Random House |location=New York}}</ref>

Nutter's path to the mayoralty required navigating Philadelphia's complex racial and political dynamics. As an African American candidate, he drew significant support from Black voters, but his reform emphasis and professional style also appealed to white liberals and suburbanites. His 2007 primary victory over opponents including Congressman Chaka Fattah demonstrated that Philadelphia's African American community was not monolithic and that candidates could build cross-racial coalitions. The general election was largely a formality in heavily Democratic Philadelphia; Nutter won easily and took office in January 2008.<ref name="salisbury"/>