Kenyatta Johnson Prevails In 2nd City Council Primary

State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson has defeated real estate broker Barbara Capozzi in the Democratic primary election for City Council's 2nd District seat, both camps have confirmed.  Johnson won with just a 46-vote margin in a four-way race with more than 16,000 votes cast.

The results were determined this morning in vote-counting by the Philadelphia City Commission, which on Friday started the official tally, including absentee, alternative, and provisional ballots.

Attorney Damon Roberts, who ran for the seat four years ago, withdrew from the race on May 5, too late to have his name removed from the ballot.  Community activist Tracey Gordon finished third with 1,555 while Roberts received 319 votes that were declared void due to his withdrawal.

Johnson will face Republican Ivan Cohen, who ran unopposed in the May 17 primary, in the Nov. 8 general election.

Johnson is serving his second term in the state House's 186th District.  Capozzi has been active for many years in real estate in South Philly and Center City and helped establish the Sports Complex Special Services District.  They were both seeking the seat being vacated in January by Council President Anna Verna, who is retiring after 35 years in office.