Barbara Capozzi, almost a winner in 2011, halts second Council bid

Barbara Capozzi, the South Philadelphia real estate broker who came very close to winning a seat on City Council four years ago, is dropping her second bid for a Council seat.

Capozzi sent supporters an e-mail Wednesday night announcing the move. She said she was conflicted about her decision but cited three reasons creating "insurmountable" odds against victory: a crowded Democratic field in the May 19 primary for five at-large seats; the poor ballot position she drew (No. 12 in a field of 21 candidates); and the lack of an endorsement from the Democratic City Committee.

"To all my supporters and friends, I am sorry to let you down and leave our issues unrepresented on Council," Capozzi wrote. "We must stay involved, and stay motivated to help Philadelphia change for the better despite the efforts of too many to stay firmly rooted in the past."

In 2011, Capozzi came within 40 votes of winning the Democratic primary election for the Second District seat. She challenged her narrow loss to now-Councilman Kenyatta Johnson in court, but a judge dismissed the case.