Candidate for Chicago City Council

About the Candidate

Name: Byron Sigcho-Lopez
DOB: July 7, 1983
Family:

  • Loreen Targos (wife)
  • Su-Ping Targos (mother-in-law)
  • Byron Sigcho Sr. (father)
  • Vilma Lopez (mother)

Occupation: Visiting Researcher at University of Illinois at Chicago
Political Experience: Ran for aldermanic office in the 25th Ward in 2015; came within 70 votes of forcing the incumbent into a run-off.
Website: sigchofor25.com

Candidate Statement

My name is Byron Sigcho-Lopez, and I am running for alderman in the 25th Ward. I am an instructor and researcher at UIC, and I’ve been organizing in the community for the last decade.

Our ward will have new leadership for the first time in 23 years. What is at stake in this race is whether we have truly independent progressive leadership that will put the needs of ordinary people before all else or more of the same of what we’ve had for decades.

My work in our community began when my research exposed the UNO charter school network’s use of taxpayer money to fund political campaigns and activities.

Ever since, I have not just fought against political corruption but have also led countless struggles for affordable housing, good neighborhood public schools, fair taxation of local businesses, property tax assessment reform, and immigrant rights.

In 2012, I successfully organized alongside teachers, parents, local youth and community members to keep all the schools in the ward off the final list of school closures. In 2013, I worked with small businesses to prevent regressive SSA taxes. In 2015, I prevented a toxic metal shredder from opening across the street from a local high school, and in 2017, I co-founded the Lift the Ban Coalition in an effort to stabilize housing costs for renters and homeowners.

We deserve leadership that will fight for the well-being and stability of our community members. We need leadership with the track record and experience to advance the issues that our community cares most about to City Council.

That’s why I’m running for alderman, and that’s why I’m asking for your support.

Candidate Q&A

What is your vision for this office?

My vision for the 25th Ward Alderman’s office is one that is beholden to no one but the people who make their lives in the 25th Ward. That is why when I ran in 2015, and in this election, I have made a commitment to not accept contributions from big corporations or developers. That is why I have had over 200 volunteers come out and talk to voters about the need for independent leadership in city hall. We are building a broader movement to ensure that elected officials remain accountable to the people they were elected to represent, so we can build a sustainable society that works for the many, not just the few.

What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?

My top 3 priorities are as follows:

  • Taking measures to curb gentrification and the displacement of working people in Chicago’s 25th Ward
  • Establishing an elected representative school board in Chicago that put children and communities over profits
  • Passing legislation to mandate civilian oversight of the police (CPAC) to hold Chicago Police Department accountable