John Swift Whig John Swift Whig The 1848 Philadelphia mayoral election saw the reelection of John Swift to a twelfth overall non-consecutive term.

[1] Beginning in 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, the City Council would select a mayor from the top-two finishers.