Philadelphia's City Council special election of 1956 was held to fill the seat vacated by Democrat John F. Byrne, Sr. when he resigned to join the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
The following year, Governor George M. Leader appointed Byrne to a seat on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
Byrne resigned his council seat, and a special election was called to replace him.
The Democrats selected Leon Kolankiewicz, a state representative and president of the local chapter of American Relief for Poland.
The Republicans chose Max Leon, a local impresario and businessman who owned the WDAS (AM) radio station.