Politics
Johnson Taps Walter ‘Red’ Burnett to Replace His Father, Fill Vacant 27th Ward Seat
Walter Redmond Burnett is Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick to represent the 27th Ward on the Chicago City Council. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News, courtesy of Red Burnett)
Mayor Brandon Johnson tapped Walter Redmond Burnett late Friday to replace his father, former Ald. Walter Burnett, and fill the vacant 27th Ward seat on the Chicago City Council.
The 29-year-old, who is better known as Red, was the best choice to replace his father, who represented parts of the West Side and the West Loop for 30 years on the Chicago City Council, Johnson said in a statement.
“The 27th Ward deserves a leader who is well-attuned to the challenges we face as we continue to grow and strengthen our communities,” Johnson said in a statement. “Red embodies the values, resilience, and vision of the 27th Ward. With his long-standing commitment to public service, equity, and young people, I have no doubt he will be a dedicated and effective advocate of his community.
Burnett, a close ally of the mayor, told WTTW News that his son was his pick to replace him on the City Council.
The mayor’s pick must be confirmed by the City Council, which spent hours paying tribute in July to Burnett and his three decades of service, by the end of the month. The next City Council meeting is set for Sept. 25.
If confirmed, the younger Burnett will get a leg up in the next election — set for February 2027 — and ensure the continuation of a political dynasty that includes Burnett’s older son, state Rep. Jawaharial “Omar” Williams (D-Chicago). If confirmed, Burnett will become the youngest member of the City Council.
Burnett was one of seven candidates to apply to replace former Ald. Burnett.
Burnett moved back to Chicago in 2022 after living in New York for a decade, where he worked for Goldman Sachs. Burnett worked as a consultant for Hannibal Valley Co., which pursued “projects that emphasized inclusive growth and community benefit.”
“I am honored to have received this appointment. The opportunity to serve the 27th Ward is an immense privilege that I do not take lightly,” Burnett said. “Throughout my professional journey I’ve maintained a steadfast commitment to community advancement —working alongside civic leaders, private sector partners, and grassroots organizations to deliver projects that generate lasting impact and serve the public good.”
The next alderperson of the 27th Ward will oversee the construction and planned opening of the city’s new casino, sandwiched between the Cabrini-Green complex and the gentrifying West Loop in River West.
At the same time, the City Council’s newest alderperson will be in charge of shepherding a $7 billion plan that promises to transform the 55 acres of parking lots and vacant land surrounding the United Center into 9,500 new homes, 1,309 hotel rooms, a music hall and public space.
Burnett was the pick of the search committee appointed by Johnson, which was led by Rules Committee Chair Ald. Michelle Harris (8th Ward) and included John Bosca, of the Neighbors of River West, Keith D. Muhammad, of the Greater West Town Project, and Armando Chacon, of the West Central Association.
Burnett is just the latest child to be picked by Chicago’s mayor to replace their retiring father on the City Council. In 2013, former Mayor Rahm Emanuel tapped Deb Mell to replace her father, former Ald. Dick Mell. Former Ald. Deb Mell lost her bid for reelection in 2019.
Johnson picked former Ald. Burnett to lead the Chicago Housing Authority, but efforts by the CHA board to confirm him have been delayed after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development warned the board not to appoint the former alderperson before it could review his potential conflicts of interest, officials said.
Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]
