On Monday, Aug. 15, Philadelphia at-large Councilmember Allan Domb announced his resignation to The Philadelphia Inquirer in what he considers a preemptive move to a mayoral candidacy ahead of a 2023 bid.

"As I announce my resignation from the Philadelphia City Council today, I am immensely grateful to Philadelphians for putting their trust in me to lead, and I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished over the past nearly seven years," Domb said in his announcement.

Although Domb, a Democrat, has not made any official mayoral announcements, he said a timeline is in the works over the next several weeks to talk to residents and business owners.

Philadelphia’s city charter requires candidates to relieve themselves of any elected role before seeking another office. Domb’s move suggests such a move, but the Councilmember has strayed away from definitive statements.

The real estate magnate is a two-term City Councilmember who first ran in 2015, the year Mayor Jim Kenney won the mayoral race. At the time, Domb’s announcement was also a tease, and it was unclear what party he would run under.

He was a registered Independent, but ultimately threw his bid in as a Democrat.

Over his time in office, Domb has sponsored bills to make outdoor seating and dining permanent beyond the emergency permits issued in 2021, and was the guide behind its wage tax refund legislation.

Domb is also a big proponent of term limits having introduced legislation earlier in 2022 to cap City Council terms at 4.

The two-time Councilmember’s mayoral bid remains vague but hinted at a platform that tackles violence and poverty, similar to that of María Quiñones-Sánchez.

"Philadelphia is the poorest big city in the country. We are staring down the highest murder rate in our history. Too many people don’t feel safe in their homes, their cars, on our transit systems and streets. Too many residents and businesses lack the basic opportunities necessary to thrive in our communities," Domb said

While Domb has acknowledged incoming reports of his potential candidacy, he has not confirmed to media outlets. Given his bid and legislative history, a clear-cut platform also remains reasonably vague.

"You might have heard that I'm considering a run for mayor. I have no news to report yet," Domb said.

He wouldn’t be the first to hint at a possible mayoral race. A few weeks ago, Quiñones-Sánchez launched a website reminiscent of a mayoral campaign to connect more with constituents, but also denied any mayoral bid reports. She also has yet to step down from her longtime City Council post, repping District 7.

"We don’t have any announcement at this time," said Ben Waxman, a spokesperson for Quiñones-Sánchez.

Domb’s seat will need to be replaced in an off-year — but Council has yet to confirm any follow-up procedures.