Candidates

About this Race: Fifty aldermen make up the Chicago City Council, each representing one of Chicago’s wards. Aldermen introduce, consider and debate citywide laws and resolutions in City Council. They also have a great deal of power within each of their individual wards, controlling more than $1 million of “menu money” each year and overseeing a variety of issues such as business licenses, zoning and city jobs.

Runoff Election

  • 2019 Runoff Election
    Find out more about each city council candidate in the runoff election, by ward.

1st Ward

Joe Moreno

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Daniel La Spata

Daniel La Spata - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Together, we can create a ward where every family has the opportunity to thrive.”

2nd Ward

Brian Hopkins

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

3rd Ward

Pat Dowell

Pat Dowell - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I am proud of the work that we have done to make the 3rd Ward one of the most livable wards in the city.”

Alexandria Willis

Alexandria Willis - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I don’t want the 3rd Ward to be the tale of two cities, where only the rich get richer and the poor get poorer and displaced.”

4th Ward

Sophia King

Sophia King - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“In these changing times for Chicago, the 4th Ward is in need of independent proven leadership.”

Ebony Lucas

Ebony Lucas - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We deserve to live in a city that contributes to the success of everyone, instead of catering to the chosen few.”

5th Ward

Leslie Hairston

Leslie Hairston - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Knowing a community is key to moving it forward. That’s why I’ve worked so hard exposing the 5th Ward’s natural assets and beauty to people outside the ward.”

William Calloway

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Gabriel Piemonte

Gabriel Piemonte - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Solutions that do not share power with the people are not solutions.”

6th Ward

Roderick Sawyer

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Richard A. Wooten

Richard A. Wooten - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“My entire adult life has been committed to service.”

Deborah Foster-Bonner

Deborah Foster-Bonner - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I have spent more than 20 years as voice for my community. It is time to take it to the next level.”

7th Ward

Gregory Mitchell

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Charles Kyle

Charles Kyle - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“If elected alderman I will make sure we have a vibrant and beautiful ward.”

Jedidiah Brown

Jedidiah Brown - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I want to continue to give a voice to the voiceless.”

8th Ward

Michelle Harris

Michelle Harris - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I am honored to represent this community and I would love the opportunity to continue the work that I have started.”

Jewel Easterling-Smith

Jewel Easterling-Smith - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I promise that the residents’ concerns and suggestions will be at the forefront of the decision making process.”

Linda Hudson

Linda Hudson - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We need an alderman for the entire ward, not just favored areas of it.”

Faheem Shabazz

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

9th Ward

Anthony Beale

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Cleopatra Watson

Cleopatra Watson - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“The 9th Ward is dynamic and has tremendous potential to be vibrant.”

Paul Collins

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Essie Hall

Essie Hall - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Together, we can reclaim its legacy, together we must revitalize its industry, and together we will renew community.”

Marcia Brown-Williams

Marcia Brown-Williams - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will be your true public servant.”

10th Ward

Susan Sadlowski Garza

Susan Sadlowski Garza - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“People in the 10th Ward work hard. They aren’t looking for special deals or a short cut.”

Bobby Loncar

Bobby Loncar - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I am running for alderman because I believe in the 10th Ward.”

11th Ward

Patrick Thompson

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

David Mihalyfy

David Mihalyfy - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We should have more activities for young people, and we should do improvements with neighborhood high schools.”

12th Ward

George Cardenas

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Pete DeMay

Pete DeMay - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We will make our neighborhoods safer by attacking the root causes of crime.”

Martha Yerania Rangel

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Jose Rico

Jose Rico - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Let’s empower local organizations to tackle neighborhood problems across the ward.”

13th Ward

Marty Quinn

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

David Krupa

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

14th Ward

Ed Burke

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Jaime Guzman

Jaime Guzman - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“There is no question that after 50 years with the same alderman, change is long overdue.”

Tanya Patiño

Tanya Patiño - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will introduce legislation to make sure that hardworking families, and workers like my father, can enjoy fair wages for their hard work.”

15th Ward

Joseph Williams

Joseph Williams - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“For too long we have accepted the story of ourselves as told to us by outsiders.”

Rafael Yañez

Rafael Yañez - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“As Alderman, I will be a progressive voice for the people of the 15th ward.”

Raymond Lopez

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Berto Aguayo

Berto Aguayo - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I have been a fierce voice against gun violence and a champion for immigrant rights.”

Otis Davis Jr.

Otis Davis Jr. - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“My plan is to empower and uplift the communities of the 15th ward.”

16th Ward

Stephanie Coleman

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

LaTasha M. Sanders

LaTasha M. Sanders - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“16th Ward residents deserve transparent leadership.”

Kenny Doss

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Toni Foulkes

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Jeffrey Lewis

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Eddie Johnson III

Eddie Johnson III - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Things have to change and the change must come now.”

17th Ward

David Moore

David Moore - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“It’s my job to be accessible, involved and to represent residents in City Hall.”

Raynetta Greenleaf

Raynetta Greenleaf - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“It is time to rebuild and uplift our communities.”

18th Ward

Chuks Onyezia

Chuks Onyezia - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Our ward has lacked the leadership necessary to leverage our strengths, spur future development, and to advance our community.”

Derrick Curtis

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

19th Ward

Matt O’Shea

Matt O’Shea - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I love my community and am fully committed to working together with all of you to keep our neighborhood the best place to raise a family.”

David Dewar

David Dewar - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I vow as alderman to lower taxes for the frustrated citizens.”

20th Ward

Jeanette B. Taylor

Jeanette B. Taylor - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I know what it feels like when elected officials make decisions for us, not with us.”

Nicole Johnson

Nicole Johnson - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“For a community to be prosperous, I believe we should add to the existing assets, not subtract from them.”

Maya Hodari

Maya Hodari - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I’m running for Alderman because I’m a passionate, committed neighbor who has been hard at work for the last ten years.”

Jennifer Maddox

Jennifer Maddox - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Issues of poverty and unemployment demand that we establish new ways to collaborate that create long term solutions.”

Andre Smith

Andre Smith - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will bring an end to the historic corruption in the 20th ward.”

Dernard Newell

Dernard Newell - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will continue to draw upon my experience in government, the legal arena and the ministry to make sure all things, large and small, will get done.”

Quandra Speights

Quandra Speights - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will listen to the concerns of the residents and allow them a seat at the table.”

Kevin Bailey

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Anthony Driver Jr.

Anthony Driver Jr. - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Imagine an Alderman who wasn’t afraid of the community he serves.”

21st Ward

Howard Brookins

Howard Brookins - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We fought for quality housing, better schools, safer neighborhoods, jobs and a community that we could be proud of and we won.”

Marvin McNeil

Marvin McNeil - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We have all the makings of a strong vibrant middle class community and yet we are suffering.”

Patricia Foster

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Joseph C. Ziegler Jr.

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

22nd Ward

Michael Rodriguez

Michael Rodriguez - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I'm a trusted and experienced leader, and I care deeply about our community.”

Lisette Lopez

Lisette Lopez

“It is time to fight for a Chicago that working families can afford.”

Richard Juarez

Richard Juarez - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“My faith gives me the hope and resolve that we can live in safety, prosperity, health, and wellness.”

Neftalie Gonzalez

Neftalie Gonzalez - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will bring more jobs to the community, increase city services to the ward, create more after school programs for the youth and create additional programs for our seniors.”

23rd Ward

Silvana Tabares

Silvana Tabares - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I may be new at City Hall, but I know how to stand up for middle-class families.”

Paulino R. Villarreal Jr.

Paulino R. Villarreal Jr. - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“There are many issues in our ward that have been ignored for years.”

24th Ward

Creative Scott

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Michael Scott Jr.

Michael Scott Jr. - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Growing up, I was taught the importance of giving back to my community.”

Toriano Sanzone

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Traci ‘Treasure’ Johnson

Traci “Treasure” Johnson - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“As your Alderwoman of the 24th Ward there will be accountability, inclusion and opportunities for all the residents of the ward.”

25th Ward

Hilario Dominguez

Hilario Dominguez - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I’ve worked to keep longtime residents in their homes and fought against developers who have sought to displace our community.”

Alex Acevedo

Alex Acevedo - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Government must represent working people and lead with integrity.”

Troy Hernandez

Troy Hernandez - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“If we can fix the political system in this city, it’ll make fixing the schools and roads and parks and pensions a whole lot easier.”

Byron Sigcho-Lopez

Byron Sigcho-Lopez - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We deserve leadership that will fight for the well-being and stability of our community members.”

Aida Flores

Aida Flores - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Our communities are changing and we need a leader who is persistent, shows compassion and acts with love.”

26th Ward

Theresa Siaw

Theresa Siaw - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We need a leader who is experienced in bringing together diverse groups for the common good.”

Roberto Maldonado

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

David Herrera

David Herrera - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“My vision for this office is to be an accessible and transparent advocate for my community.”

27th Ward

Walter Burnett Jr.

Walter Burnett Jr. - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Our Ward has become an economic engine for the City.”

Cynthia Bednarz

Cynthia Bednarz - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will be committed to a City Council that is transparent and accountable to my constituents.”

28th Ward

Miguel Bautista

Miguel Bautista - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We are looking to bring transparency, accountability, and accessibility to the 28th ward office.”

Jason Ervin

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Jasmine Jackson

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Beverly Miles

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

29th Ward

Dwayne Truss

Dwayne Truss - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I may be a first time candidate, but I’ve always been your neighbor and an advocate for the 29th Ward.”

Chris Taliaferro

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Zerlina Smith

Zerlina Smith - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“There are very few issues in our community that I am not on the front line addressing.”

30th Ward

Jessica Washington Gutierrez

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Ariel Reboyras

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Edgar ‘Edek’ Esparza

Edgar ‘Edek’ Esparza - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Chicago has a tremendous crime problem. We need aldermen that are willing to tackle this issue head-on, without any special interests to donors.”

31st Ward

Colin Bird-Martinez

Colin Bird-Martinez - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We need elected officials that put community first, to tackle the greatest issues facing our city and neighborhoods.”

Milly Santiago

Milly Santiago - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“My top priorities as a full-time Alderman continue to be economic stability, public safety, education, and housing.”

Felix Cardona

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

32nd Ward

Scott Waguespack

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

33rd Ward

Katie Sieracki

Katie Sieracki - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“It’s time to put an end to the old way of doing things in Chicago.”

Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez

Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Politicians are building a city for the few. We need neighborhoods for the many.”

Deborah Mell

Deborah Mell - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I’ve worked to make Chicago a better and more fair place for workers and families.”

34th Ward

Carrie Austin

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Preston Brown Jr.

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

35th Ward

Amanda Yu Dieterich

Amanda Yu Dieterich - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I am running because we need to make Chicago an affordable city, an accessible city, and an accountable city.”

Carlos Ramirez-Rosa

Carlos Ramirez-Rosa - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We are on the verge of transformational change in our city.”

36th Ward

Gilbert Villegas

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

37th Ward

Emma Mitts

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Tara Stamps

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Deondre Rutues

Deondre Rutues - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I decided to run for Alderman because I am not satisfied with the present condition of our communities.”

38th Ward

Nicholas Sposato

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

39th Ward

Robert Murphy

Robert Murphy - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I have the experience; the track record of reform and independence; and I have a clear vision for the ward.”

Samantha Nugent

Samantha Nugent - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I understand the importance of strong relationships between our first responders and the members of the community they serve.”

Casey Smagala

Casey Smagala - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I want you to love where you live.”

Joe Duplechin

Joe Duplechin - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will use the knowledge gained through my years of service to be responsive to the community’s needs.”

40th Ward

Ugo Okere

Ugo Okere - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We have a unique opportunity to install a progressive force in Chicago’s 40th Ward this February.”

Dianne Daleiden

Dianne Daleiden - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“For decades, our City Council has transferred our neighborhoods’ wealth to downtown.”

Andre Vasquez

Andre Vasquez - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Neighbors want an Alderman who will provide effective constituent services while fighting to make sure every neighbor feels connected.”

Patrick O’Connor

Patrick O’Connor - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We have been able to make this community a destination, where people want to come live and raise their families.”

Maggie O’Keefe

Maggie O’Keefe - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Equity in education, small business development, affordable housing, and modernization of our public safety networks are issues that we can and we will address together.”

41st Ward

Tim Heneghan

Tim Heneghan - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I have solutions in mind to solve our financial issues without increasing taxes on homeowners.”

Anthony Napolitano

Anthony Napolitano - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“As an independent Alderman, I brought your voice to City Hall and completely broke the rubberstamp mold.”

42nd Ward

Brendan Reilly

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

43rd Ward

Derek Lindblom

Derek Lindblom - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I’m running because I believe Chicago’s at a crossroads.”

Michele Smith

Michele Smith

“I’m running for re-election to ensure that the 43rd ward continues to have a fighter in City Hall even as we transition to a new mayor.”

Leslie Fox

Leslie Fox - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I have a reputation for being direct, aggressive and most importantly getting things done.”

Jacob Ringer

Jacob Ringer - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I want to serve my community by fighting for our future together.”

Steven McClellan

Steven McClellan - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Education is key and will always be prioritized throughout my tenure.”

Rebecca Janowitz

Rebecca Janowitz - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“When the city government works and improves the lives of the people who live here, the entire city prospers.”

44th Ward

Tom Tunney

Tom Tunney - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I believe in our community and am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come.”

Austin Baidas

Austin Baidas - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“We need an Alderman who is only answerable to the residents of the 44th Ward.”

Elizabeth Shydlowski

Elizabeth Shydlowski - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will be a full-time alderman who looks for innovative solutions instead of looking at taxpayers as bottomless ATMs.”

45th Ward

Marilyn Morales

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

John Arena

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Jim Gardiner

Jim Gardiner - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will ensure we begin receiving the city services that our hard earned tax dollars pay for, but too often get overlooked.”

Robert Bank

Robert Bank - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I’ll fight to make sure every student can gain the skills they need for a successful career.”

46th Ward

Marianne Lalonde

Marianne Lalonde - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I invest every hour of my free time back into the 46th ward.”

Erika Wozniak Francis

Erika Wozniak Francis - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I will ensure our neighborhood is affordable, and I will work hard to make our streets are safe.”

Justin Kreindler

Justin Kreindler - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I have a proven track record of forging partnerships, building community, and effectively solving challenges across the city.”

James Cappleman

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Angela Clay

Angela Clay - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“This election is the deciding factor for the future of our neighbors and our community.”

Jon-Robert McDowell

Jon-Robert McDowell - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Join us in the fight for a future that is brighter, equitable, and inclusive of the values that built this great city.”

47th Ward

Eileen Dordek

Eileen Dordek - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“When you listen, you’re able to collaborate on solutions.”

Angie Maloney

Angie Maloney - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I'll be a hands-on Alderman and help residents cut through red tape of city regulations and access the services they need.”

Heather Way Kitzes

Heather Way Kitzes - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“A unified community working with one thing in mind – our common welfare – can overcome anything.”

Michael Negron

Michael Negron - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I care deeply about a Chicago where everyone can get ahead.”

Matt Martin

Matt Martin - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I’m running for Alderman because there are too many neighbors in our ward and our city who are struggling.”

Gus Katsafaros

Gus Katsafaros - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I promise you that I will be a hands-on alderman that will be readily available to the residents and business community.”

Thomas Schwartzers

Thomas Schwartzers - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“It’s time to abandon the political insiders and vote for true leaders.”

Kimball Ladien

Kimball Ladien - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“If we wish to get away from ‘Politics as Usual’ and END GRIDLOCK, we must move to GOOD GOVERNMENT.”

Jeff Jenkins

Jeff Jenkins - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Every individual, family and of course our seniors are a vital part of the 47th Ward, and my office will be open to each and every one of you.”

48th Ward

Harry Osterman

Harry Osterman - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I am running for re-election as Alderman to build on the progress that we have made in our community.”

David Earl Williams III

David Earl Williams III - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I’m not here to appease the Mayor or some big business.”

49th Ward

Joe Moore

Joe Moore - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“Much has been accomplished, but much remains to be done.”

Maria Hadden

Maria Hadden - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“It's time for fresh ideas and new perspectives to tackle the problems facing our community.”

50th Ward

Debra Silverstein

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.

Andrew Rowlas

Andrew Rowlas - Chicago Alderman Candidate

“I am a progressive, proactive candidate who wants to work with the community and engage more people in our civic affairs.”

Zehra Quadri

Did not participate

Did not participate in the WTTW Chicago Voters’ Guide.