Isaac Roach John Swift Whig The 1839 Philadelphia mayoral election saw John Swift return to office for a seventh overall non-consecutive term.

[1] This was the first Philadelphia mayoral election in which members of the general public were able to vote.

[1] Prior to this, the City Council solely elected mayors of Philadelphia.

[1] Beginning in 1839, the city began to operate under a mixed electoral system.

However, if no candidate received a majority, the City Council would select a mayor from the top-two finishers.