Incumbent mayor James Tate narrowly defeated Republican challenger Arlen Specter in the general election.

Philadelphia Democratic Party chair Francis R. Smith attempted to replace Tate on the ticket with City Controller Alexander Hemphill,[1] but Tate refused to drop out of the election and defeated Hemphill in the Democratic primary.

[1] In an effort to emphasize a "law and order" message to secure reelection, Tate appointed Frank Rizzo as Philadelphia Police Commissioner.

[7] During the campaign, Tate received heavy media attention by being in Tel Aviv during the outbreak of the Six-Day War and being in Rome when Archbishop John Krol was elevated to Cardinal.

[1] Tate supported legislation endorsed by Krol which would allow state funding of parochial and other private schools, while Specter did not take a stance on the issue.