Politics
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin Hosts Black Republicans From Around US, Downplays Past Trump Criticism and Future Runs For Office
Video: Nick Blumberg is live from Milwaukee on Day 2 of the RNC, recapping headline speeches and memorable moments, including a gathering hosted by Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. (Produced by Nick Blumberg and Eunice Alpasan)
“The Republican party isn’t a scary place for Black folks.”
That was Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin’s message as he hosted a gathering under the auspices of the Black Republican Mayor’s Association, an organization he founded and chairs.
Irvin, who ran unsuccessfully in the GOP primary for Illinois governor in 2022, says the idea for the organization came “about a year or two ago where I said, ‘let’s go around the country and identify other mayors like myself that are African American, and Black and Brown, or even not African American, that have conservative principles that they implement, that get the job done.”
During his run for the gubernatorial nomination, Irvin was criticized for lacking conservative credentials — including for supporting policies more in line with Democrats during his time as mayor, supporting Black Lives Matter, and calling Trump an “idiot” and “bigoted racist” in text messages obtained by WTTW News.
Asked about his past criticism of Trump on Tuesday, Irvin said the more important focus should be on a presidential election that’s a choice between an “elderly man” and a candidate who conveys strength and power when he speaks.
“It’s clear what the choice needs to be, and although I have been critical of many of our elected officials, and I think rightfully so — we should criticize those officials, folks criticize me all the time — that don’t mean I don’t believe that we have what it takes to go forward and vote,” Irvin said.
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) listen to one of the speakers at an event Irvin hosted for Black Republicans attending the RNC on Tuesday, July 16. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
Tuesday’s event honoring Black Republicans, called “The New Mavericks”, was described as the first gathering of its kind at any RNC. Co-hosted by the Georgia Republican Party, attendees included delegates and alternates, convention guests and elected officials.
The pols who spoke to the crowd at Milwaukee’s Iron Horse Hotel included U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Florida), who spoke during last night’s convention; U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas); and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, who also spoke yesterday.
Scott’s remarks included pointed jabs at Chicago, saying that America isn’t a racist nation — but that racism can be found in cities run by Democratic politicians. He cited violent crime and underfunded schools as among Chicago’s ills that can be laid at the feet of Dems.
Irvin defended Scott’s hits on Chicago, saying that while he wishes the mayor well, the city’s Black residents aren’t getting what they deserve.
“On the South Side and West Side, African Americans are still struggling, been struggling for generations,” Irvin said. “Just recently, we’ve had migrants come into the country, and they spend more money on the migrants — hundreds of millions of dollars — than they spent on the Black community that have been there for generations.”
Irvin’s current term as Aurora mayor is up in less than a year, but he demurred as to his ambitions for higher office.
“Right now, I’m the mayor of Aurora,” Irvin said. “We’re doing a great job making things happen and pushing things forward, so I’m where I’m supposed to be right now. I’ll worry … in the future where I’ll go next.”
Contact Nick Blumberg: [email protected] | (773) 509-5434 | @ndblumberg
