Jack Kelly (politician)

Jack Kelly
Kelly in 2007
Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the at-large district
In office
July 15, 2004 – January 2, 2012
Preceded byThacher Longstreth
Succeeded byDavid Oh
Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 7th District
In office
January 4, 1988 – January 6, 1992
Preceded byPatricia Hughes
Succeeded byDaniel McElhatton
Personal details
PartyRepublican
SpouseKathleen
Children4

Jack Kelly is an American politician. He is a former Republican member of the Philadelphia City Council.

Kelly originally represented the seventh district on the council. In 1987, he defeated Democratic incumbent Patricia Hughes for the seat,[1] but he was defeated in his bid for reelection four years later by Daniel McElhatton.

Following the death of longtime Republican councilman Thacher Longstreth, Kelly was elected to his at-large seat and served from 2004 to 2012.[2]

Political positions

Kelly is known as a supporter of animal rights.[3] In 2006, he introduced legislation to prohibit the sale of force-fed animal products like foie gras due to animal cruelty concerns.[4][5]

Local animal welfare organizations in Philadelphia present an annual Jack Kelly Leadership Award to public officials who advocate for improved treatment of animals. Kelly won the inaugural award in 2017.[6]

References

  1. ^ "All 17 Seats Open". The Philadelphia Inquirer. October 27, 1987. Retrieved February 8, 2012.
  2. ^ "Jack Kelly – Councilman-At-Large". City of Philadelphia official website. City Council, City of Philadelphia. February 15, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2010.
  3. ^ "Republican At-large Councilman Jack Kelly Not Returning". CBS Philadelphia. January 17, 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2025.
  4. ^ "Foie gras is cruel to birds". New Haven Register. May 25, 2006. Retrieved December 31, 2025.
  5. ^ McLaughlin, Lisa (October 9, 2007). "Fight for Your Right to Pâté". Time. Retrieved December 31, 2025.
  6. ^ "State Sen. Dinniman honored for animal advocacy". The Mercury. September 12, 2018. Retrieved December 31, 2025.