Politics in Philly is a contact sport. You probably already knew that. But when Cherelle Parker stepped onto that stage as the first female mayor of Philadelphia, something unusual happened. It wasn't just about the policy or the "get-it-done" attitude. It was the guy standing next to her. That man was Ben Mullins, her ex-husband.
Most people expect a divorce in the public eye to be messy. We're used to the tabloid headlines and the snide comments in the press. Honestly, the story of the Cherelle Parker ex-husband dynamic is the exact opposite of that. It’s a masterclass in how two people can stop being a couple without stopping being a team.
Who Is Ben Mullins?
Ben Mullins isn't just "the ex." He’s a heavyweight in his own right within the Philadelphia labor scene. Specifically, he is a prominent leader in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 98. If you know anything about Philly power structures, you know that the unions—and particularly Local 98—are the bedrock of the city’s political machinery.
The pair tied the knot back in July 2010. It was a massive event. We're talking 300 guests at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, with heavy hitters like former Mayor Michael Nutter in attendance. It was basically a "who’s who" of Pennsylvania politics.
They weren't just a romantic match; they were a political powerhouse. At the time, Cherelle was a rising star in the State House. Ben was the union guy who understood the ground game.
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Life in Mount Airy
The couple settled in West Oak Lane/Mount Airy, a neighborhood that defines Cherelle’s identity. In 2012, they welcomed their son, Langston Mullins. Cherelle often calls herself an "OAM"—an "old-ass mom"—because she had Langston at 40. She’s incredibly proud of that.
But while her career was skyrocketing from the State House to City Council, the marriage eventually hit a wall. They divorced quietly. No scandals. No leaked court documents. They just... transitioned.
The Viral Election Night Moment
If you want to understand the Cherelle Parker ex-husband situation, you have to look at May 2023. When Parker won the Democratic primary, she didn't just thank her staff. She brought Ben Mullins to the center of the stage.
It was a shocker for people who didn't know their history. She literally pointed to him and told the crowd, "That is my ex-husband, y’all."
She spoke about how they co-parent Langston. It wasn't just lip service for the cameras. You could tell there was genuine respect there. Ben has been a constant fixture in her campaigns, even after the papers were signed. He was there for the inauguration, too.
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How many politicians can say their ex-spouse is one of their biggest cheerleaders? Not many.
Why Their Relationship Still Matters in 2026
In 2026, as Mayor Parker navigates the complexities of running a major American city, the stability of her home life—even a non-traditional one—remains a talking point. People look at Ben Mullins as a symbol of her ability to build bridges.
- Labor Relations: Having an ex-husband in the IBEW leadership doesn't hurt when you're trying to negotiate with unions.
- Public Image: It softens the "tough" image Parker sometimes projects. It shows she can handle personal conflict with grace.
- The "Philly Way": Everything in this city is about who you know and how you treat your family. The Mullins-Parker dynamic fits that perfectly.
Common Misconceptions
You’ll hear rumors. People always assume there must be a secret reason why they divorced. Or they think Ben is still the "secret handler" of her political career.
The reality is simpler. They both care about their kid. They both care about Philly. They realized they were better friends and co-parents than they were a married couple.
Lessons from the Parker-Mullins Dynamic
There’s actually something we can all take away from this, whether we’re in politics or not.
- Prioritize the "Mission": For them, the mission is Langston. For you, it might be your business or your peace of mind.
- Respect the History: You don't have to erase a decade of your life just because the romantic part ended.
- Keep it Private: They didn't air their grievances in public. That allowed them to maintain a working relationship that benefits them both today.
If you’re looking for drama, you won't find it here. Ben Mullins remains a private citizen, focused on his work with the IBEW and being a dad. Cherelle remains the Mayor. They’ve managed to turn a "broken home" into a supportive circle, and in the high-stakes world of Philadelphia politics, that might be their most impressive achievement.
Keep an eye on Local 98 developments and the Mayor’s upcoming town halls if you want to see how this partnership continues to influence the city's labor landscape. Support for the Mayor’s initiatives often starts with the very people who know her best—including the man who used to be her husband.