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The1851 Philadelphia mayoral election saw the reelection of Charles Gilpin.[1]
Beginningin 1839, the city operated under a mixed electoral system. Citizens voted for mayor in a general election. If a candidate receive a majority of the vote, they would be elected mayor. However, if no candidate received a majority, theCity Council would select a mayor from the top-two finishers.[1]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whig | Charles Gilpin (incumbent) | 9,275 | 70.22% | |
| Democratic | John Swift | 3,934 | 29.78% | |
| Total votes | 13,209 | |||