Editing Philadelphia City Controller (section)

== Notable Controllers ==

The Controller's office has served as a launching pad for higher office, with several Controllers subsequently winning election as mayor or other positions. This trajectory reflects the office's visibility and the political value of the watchdog role.

Rebecca Rhynhart, Controller from 2018 to 2023, used the position to build a progressive reform profile, publishing critical reports on city operations and challenging the Kenney administration. Her 2023 mayoral campaign drew on this Controller record, though she lost the Democratic primary.

Earlier Controllers included Jonathan Saidel (1990-2010), who served five terms and used the office to maintain political influence while publishing numerous audit reports. His long tenure made the office a significant power center, though critics questioned whether partisan considerations influenced audit priorities.<ref name="controller"/>