Labor Unions Endorse Jack O’Neill for Philly DA

Jack O’Neill | Photo courtesy of O’Neill’s campaign

Eight labor unions have endorsed Jack O’Neill in the race for district attorney of Philadelphia.

O’Neill, a 35-year-old Democrat, joined the race last month at the last possible moment. He’s a Philly native who worked for 10 years as an assistant district attorney under former District Attorney Lynne Abraham. 

O’Neill has received support from several unions within the Building Trades Council – though not an official endorsement from the association itself. He spoke at the Plumbers Union hall last night, where he reportedly told union members that, if elected, he would appoint a deputy of labor liaison within his first 30 days of office “so that every one of you will have direct and constant communication with a person who understands what you need,” according to NewsWorks.

The support will serve as major a push for O’Neill, who’s raised considerably less money than most other candidates.

Several candidates have seen notable endorsements from other unions, including Democrat Larry Krasner, who received backing from the local health-care worker’s union earlier this week. Democrat Rich Negrin was endorsed by Philly’s Fraternal Order of Police last month.

Earlier this week, a super PAC called the “Philadelphia Justice & Public Safety PAC” – possibly tied to philanthropic billionaire George Soros – revealed that it will spend $300,000 on pro-Krasner TV advertisements. It’s the first time a super PAC has thrown its weight behind a district attorney candidate in Philly.

The primary election will be held on May 16th. Read more about O’Neill (and the seven other candidates) in Holly Otterbein’s DA race Q&A series.

Follow @ClaireSasko on Twitter.