Feb 03 2023 - 8:30 am
One of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s closest allies, Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward), is jumping ship to endorse her opponent Brandon Johnson in the 2023 race for mayor, according to Crain’s Chicago Business .
Feb 03 2023 - 6:15 am
2023 Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas received a $5,000 donation to his campaign from a now-retried Chicago cop named in the Laquan McDonald scandal, according to WBEZ .
Feb 03 2023 - 5:00 am
The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed Paul Vallas for mayor. Remember, Paul Vallas made The TRiiBE’s “Top Cop Candidate of the Week” for embracing the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
Feb 02 2023 - 7:30 pm
The 11th Ward IPO has endorsed Brandon Johnson for mayor in the 2023 race.
Feb 02 2023 - 1:00 pm
2023 Chicago mayoral candidate Jesus “Chuy” Garcia shared a video calling out opponent Paul Vallas for anti-abortion comments he’s made in the past. In the video , Vallas says, “Fundamentally, I oppose abortion” and “I’m more of a Republican than a Democrat.”
Feb 02 2023 - 11:30 am
The Better Streets Chicago Action Fund has announced their endorsements in the 2023 Chicago elections, among them are Brandon Johnson for mayor and a list of aldermanic candidates.
Feb 01 2023 - 8:00 am
The Better Government Association released its “BGA Policy Mayoral Candidate Questionnaire.” All of the candidates responded to the questionnaire, except Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who declined the opportunity.
Feb 01 2023 - 7:00 am
Politico published two new polls by 1983 Labs, showing Mayor Lori Lightfoot in the lead with businessman Willie Wilson trailing closely behind her in the 2023 Chicago election.
Feb 01 2023 - 6:30 am
Chicago Votes released its “Voter Guide: 2023 Chicago Municipal Elections.” The organizers asked candidates questions about issues that young people care about.
Feb 01 2023 - 1:00 am
At WGN mayoral forum, businessman Willie Wilson doubled down on his previous remarks about hunting suspects down “like rabbits.” Read the Chicago Sun-Times recap .
Jan 31 2023 - 10:00 pm
WGN-TV hosted a 2023 Chicago mayoral candidates forum. All of the nine candidates showed up. You can rewatch the forum online here .
Jan 31 2023 - 4:00 pm
On Twitter, Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33rd Ward) shared an image of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) endorsement list for candidates in the 2023 Chicago election, as a way of getting the information out to voters before the election.
Jan 23 2023 - 2:00 pm
A new poll released today by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s campaign shows that she’s a little ahead of opponent Paul Vallas in the 2023 mayoral race, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Read the story here .
Jan 23 2023 - 8:30 am
The “Girl, I Guess: A Progressive Voter Guide to the 2023 Chicago Municipal Election” is live. You can view the voter guide here .
Jan 22 2023 - 6:00 am
Chicago’s Latino community could be a key voting bloc in the 2023 mayoral race. Will they back Jesus “Chuy” Garcia? Are other candidates courting them? Read the full story at the Chicago Tribune .
Jan 20 2023 - 6:30 pm
Jesus “Chuy” Garcia’s name is mentioned in a recording that’s part of a federal ComEd prob; however, the congressman is not accused of wrongdoing, according to the Chicago Sun-Times .
Jan 20 2023 - 12:00 pm
A new voter opinion survey finds Paul Vallas and Rep. Chuy Garcia leading the nine-candidate field for mayor of Chicago, with Brandon Johnson in third and Lori Lightfoot in fourth, according to Fox 32 Chicago .
Jan 20 2023 - 8:00 am
Ald. Walter Burnett (27th Ward) is running unopposed for the first time since 2008, guaranteeing him an eighth term as a City Councilmember. Read the full story at Block Club Chicago .
Jan 19 2023 - 10:30 pm
At an ABC-7 debate, all nine candidates for mayor met. Although they agreed that crime is a huge problem, they disagreed over how huge and what the solution is. Read the full story at Crain’s Chicago Business .
Jan 17 2023 - 7:45 am
2023 Chicago mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson’s campaign receives another $400,000 from the American Federation of Teachers, according to Chicago Tribune political reporter Gregory Pratt .
Jan 17 2023 - 7:30 am
In a surprise endorsement, Congressman Danny Davis is backing CB Johnson, a candidate for 29th Ward alderperson, over veteran incumbent Ald. Chris Taliaferro, according to Politico’s Illinois Playbook . Previously, David and Johnson endorsed Taliaferro for a judge position that he didn’t win.
Jan 16 2023 - 8:00 pm
The Chicago Teachers Union endorsed 21st Ward aldermanic candidate Ronnie Mosley. The 21st Ward alder seat is vacant after Ald. Howard Brookins stepped down after 19 years in office to pass the torch to a younger generation. Brookins also supports Mosley.
Jan 16 2023 - 2:00 pm
Congressman Jonathan Jackson, the son of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr, endorsed 2023 Chicago mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson, according to the Chicago Sun-Times . Jackson also said U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia’s late entry into the mayoral race forced him to make a choice that was not a difficult one given his bond with Johnson on education issues.
Jan 15 2023 - 3:30 pm
Congressman Jesús “Chuy” Garcia is endorsing Aida Flores in her run for the 25th Ward alder seat, according to Politico’s Illinois Playbook. Flores is challenging incumbent Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, whose progressive followers went in on Garcia on Twitter .
Jan 14 2023 - 7:00 pm
Read the Chicago Tribune’s recap of the Chicago Women Take Action mayoral forum: “Mayor Lori Lightfoot pounces on challenger Paul Vallas during punchy women’s forum.”
Jan 14 2023 - 9:30 am
Chicago’s biggest police union — the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7 (FOP) — paid $25,000 to two election attorneys to kick candidates off the ballot in the newly-formed police district council races. According to WBEZ , the FOP did so in an attempt to extend the union’s power into the councils, which were created in 2021 after years of lobbying by activists to give residents more control over the Chicago Police Department.
Jan 13 2023 - 11:00 pm
Organizers are asking for a community-driven approach to reducing shootings. However, most of the 2023 Chicago mayoral candidates are focused on improving and investing in police. Read more about the candidates’ positions on thetrace.org .
Jan 13 2023 - 10:00 pm
Despite receiving nearly $200,000 in campaign mailers from the former FTX CEO’s political action committee. U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García continued distancing himself from disgraced cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried, saying he never spoke with the man, according to WBEZ .
Jan 13 2023 - 5:00 pm
Before the City Club of Chicago, U.S. Rep Jesús “Chuy” Garcia unveiled his public safety plan. Unlike other progressive candidates who have demanded less spending on police, Garcia’s plan calls for a “fully funded” Chicago Police Department, including hiring 1,600 more officers. However, according to the Chicago Tribune , Garcia did not call for increasing the police budget.
Jan 13 2023 - 12:00 pm
The Chicago Tribune takes a deeper look at Invest South/West, which is Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s signature economic development program on the South and West sides. But their review of all $1 million+ projects shows Lightfoot is taking credit for initiatives launched by Rahm Emanuel and routine spending, which pads the numbers. Read the full story here .
Jan 11 2023 - 9:00 pm
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s reelection campaign sent an email to Chicago Public Schools teachers Wednesday asking them to encourage their students to volunteer to help Lightfoot win a second term as mayor – and earn class credit, according to WTTW. Chicago’s ethics ordinance prohibits the use of public resources, including email accounts, for non-official purposes. Read the full story here .
Jan 11 2023 - 5:30 pm
The daughter of a Southwest Side alderman Derrick Curtis (18th Ward) was shot in the leg on Jan. 5 during a concealed carry class taught by her father — the same alderman who shot himself in the hand last October, according to WGN News. Read the full story here .
Jan 10 2023 - 6:30 pm
Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th) says he wants to keep the heat on Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Police Supt. David Brown to fire an officer with alleged ties to the far-right Proud Boys and send a message that hate groups won’t be tolerated, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Read the full story here .
Jan 07 2023 - 10:00 pm
According to the Chicago Tribune , the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) endorsed Paul Vallas in his 2023 campaign for mayor. Only one other candidate sought the FOP’s endorsement outside of Vallas, and that’s businessman Willie Wilson. On Twitter, Vallas wrote, “I welcome the endorsement of Chicago’s finest, men and women of the FOP who sacrifice their lives to make our city safer. Reducing crime and making Chicago safer are my top priorities. As Mayor, I will bring our police and community together to make every neighborhood safe.” In 2019, the FOP endorsed Wilson. In 2020, the FOP also endorsed former President Donald Trump in his bid for reelection. In 2021, the FOP defended pro-Trump insurrectionists at the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6. In 2022, the Illinois and Chicago FOPs endorsed Republican nominee Darren Bailey for Illinois governor.
Jan 10 2023 - 9:30 am
Mayor Lori Lightfoot dropped a new ad for her reelection campaign. Titled “Mayor Lightfoot’s Safer Chicago Plan,” the ad disses the “haters” regarding crime. Watch here .
Jan 10 2023 - 9:00 am
The #GirlIGuess Guide to the Chicago Municipal Election is dropping on January 23, 2023. More details here .
Jan 07 2023 - 6:00 pm
The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners removed Frederick Collins and Johnny Logalbo from the Feb. 28, 2023 ballot, according to WTTW . Voters now will have nine candidates for the Chicago mayoral race.
Jan 07 2023 - 1:00 pm
Today, Access Living hosted its “Chicago Mayoral Race: Disability Candidates’ Forum.” Members of the disability community heard from the 2023 mayoral candidates about issues most pressing to people with disabilities in Chicago. A recording of the forum is available online here .
Jan 06 2023 - 6:00 pm
Ald. Roberto Maldonado drops out of the 26th Ward race. According to Block Club Chicago , he has represented parts of Humboldt Park, Logan Square, West Town and Hermosa in City Council since 2009.
Jan 06 2023 - 1:00 pm
Ald. Raymond Lopez announced his endorsement of 2023 Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson. On Twitter , Wilson posted a video of the press conference and wrote, “As mayor, I am committed to working with Ald. Lopez and others on the city council to make our city safer. Chicago needs a change, and I am that change!”
Jan 06 2023 - 10:30 am
2023 Chicago mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson, who currently serves as a Cook County Commissioner, released a statement, demanding Mayor Lori Lightfoot fire a Chicago Police officer who has ties to the Proud Boys. According to WTTW , Officer Robert Bakker is currently serving a 120-day suspension, which he is expected to complete in the coming weeks. On Twitter, Johnson wrote, “Active involvement in domestic terrorist organizations should be grounds for immediate dismissal from any city agency. Mayor Lightfoot must move to terminate the Chicago police officer with ties to the Proud Boys and the attack on the U.S. Capitol two years ago this day.” Read his full statement here .
Jan 06 2023 - 6:00 am
Within months after Mayor Lori Lightfoot took office, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, the police twice raided a two-flat owned by Burnett and his wife Darlena Williams-Burnett and accused them in a lawsuit of owning a “public nuisance” where drugs were sold. Read the story here .
Jan 05 2023 - 2:00 pm
2023 Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson pulled out of a Crain’s Chicago Business forum in protest of a poll the news outlet released about the mayoral race. The forum is scheduled for Feb. 1. In a press release, Wilson said, “The Crain’s published a poll that seeks to mislead the voters of Chicago. The people of Chicago deserve news that is based on truth. The headline misleads the people. Also, public polling has consistently had me at or above 12 percent. The poll Crain’s published has me at 3 percent. This is an insult to my supporters and Crain’s has zero journalistic integrity. I will not be a pawn in their charade.” After backlash, Crain’s changed the language of its publication from “poll” to survey.”
Jan 05 2023 - 8:30 am
The Chicago Index, a collaboration between The Daily Line and Crain’s Chicago Business, conducted its second administration of the 2023 Race for Mayor survey from Nov. 29 through Dec. 14, 2022. The survey shows Mayor Lori Lightfoot trailing challenges Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas. Garcia and Johnson are tied for first place, receiving 25% of the vote. A total 1,757 Chicago residents were surveyed.
Jan 03 2023 - 12:00 pm
Chicago mayoral candidate Ja’Mal Green announced his $5 billion public safety plan, called E.P.I.C. Some highlights from the plan include: a Chicago PPP program designed to lift 10,000 Chicagoans directly out of poverty each year by providing $1,000/month and city assistance for 12 months; providing citizens with tracking devices — such as Apple Air Tags — to prevent carjackings; the introduction of a year-round youth apprenticeship program; a city-run app to rate police officers and change the officer schedule to a four-day work week with one mental health day in between; and more. Read the full plan here .
Dec 12 2023 - 12:00 am
According to Gregory Pratt , a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, mayoral candidate Paul Vallas discussed his public safety plan, saying he would “move to waive the residency requirement” for Chicago Police officers. This is a controversial measure; supporters say it could increase retention while critics say it will drive out middle class residents and cut into motivation of officers.
Dec 12 2022 - 11:00 am
According to Erin Hegarty , a reporter for The Daily Line, mayoral candidate Ja’Mal Green’s attorney Anish Parikh says they’ll try to go after enough signatures to push opponent Willie Wilson below the required 12,500 signatures to get on the ballot and try to prove a pattern of fraud by Wilson’s campaign.
Dec 12 2022 - 11:00 am
Today, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that Anabel Abarca, a resident of the McKinley Park community since 2015, will serve as the new alderman representing the 12th Ward, according to a press release. The seat was left vacant by Abarca’s former boss Ald. George Cardenas, according to WTTW Chicago . Cardenas Lightfoot to pick Abarca.
Dec 09 2022 - 9:00 am
21st Ward candidate Nekoiya Washington has suspended her campaign for 21st Ward alderperson, according to Politico . “I didn’t arrive at this decision easily, but my family comes first,” she said in a statement. There are 13 other candidates in the race to replace Ald. Howard Brookins Jr., who didn’t seek reelection.
Dec 08 2022 - 8:00 am
Members of the interim Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability urged Chicago Police Department officials to scrap plans to launch a new system to track Chicagoans they believe to be members of gangs, according to WTTW Chicago . This dispute is the first clash between CPD and the newly-created commission, which is made up of Chicagoans and given authority to set police policy in an attempt to restore trust. The February 2023 municipal election will determine who will make up the three-seat councils in each of the city’s 22 police districts, who will in turn nominate people to serve on the commission.
Dec 06 2022 - 8:00 pm
Community activist Ja’Mal Green won the top spot on the ballot for the 2023 Chicago mayoral race, followed in order by Sophia King, Kam Buckner, Willie Wilson, Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas. According to WGN , Mayor Lightfoot skipped the lottery and will be listed seventh, followed by Frederick Collins, John LoGalpo, Roderick Sawyer and Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia.
Dec 05 2022 - 5:00 pm
Mayoral candidate Willie Wilson is trying to knock retiring Ald. Roderick Sawyer off the ballot, according to the Chicago Sun-Times . Former state Sen. Rickey Hendon, who is a top Wilson advisor, is challenging mayoral candidate Ja’Mal Green. Simultaneously, Green is challenging Wilson.
Dec 05 2022 - 2:35 pm
Today, Chicago mayoral candidate Ja’Mal Green announced he is challenging the nominating petitions submitted by fellow candidate Willie Wilson, according to a press release. Wilson filed 61,000 petitions, according to WBEZ . Green is scheduled to hold a press conference at 4:00 p.m. today.
Nov 11 2023 - 8:00 am
Since 1999, long-tenured Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. has reported investing $375,000 of the $4.2 million in campaign contributions he’s gotten from political supporters, but a Chicago Sun-Times investigation found that $300,000 of the invested money has disappeared from his campaign-finance reports.
