Chicago Mayoral Race 2027 Update: John Kelly Joins the Field

 Petition circulation for the February 23, 2027 Chicago mayoral election officially began this week. The field continues to grow.

CBS Chicago has the story regarding circulating petitions [VIDEO]

IL Channel - Cook County Dem State's Attorney candidates, a choice not an echo

[VIDEO] We see Public Affairs host Jeff Berkowitz discuss the race for Cook County State's Attorney - Kim Foxx the sitting State's Attorney is not running for re-election. 

Eilenn Burke and Clayton Harris are Democrats running to replace Kim Foxx. Former Alderman Bob Fioretti is running as a Republican. And Berkowitz points out that there is a Libertarian running also, Andrew Charles Kopinski.

Earlier this month there was a debate between the two Democrat candidates for State's Attorney. You can watch that here if you didn't see it the first time.

The primary election is March 19, 2024. This year in addition to Cook County State's Attorney we're voting for President, so in March we vote in a presidential primary for the candidate to stand for election in November 2024. Of course we vote for a Republican or Democrat committeeman err committeeperson. In addition to voting our respective state legislators, county judges, etc.

Check out ChicagoElections.org to see who's on your ballot when you vote.

Also, early voting is paused due to court order. A judicial candidate is to be kicked off a ballot! 

Early voting had started on February 15, 2024. However, as soon as it's open again that news will be shared here on this blog.

Lori Lightfoot says she's done with electoral politics #ChiMayor23

 

[VIDEO] In her interview with ABC 7 since her first round loss in February in her re-election bid for mayor she brushes aside her combative style as why she lost in the first round. Though she does admit there are many things she could've done differently. She even stated if she could get 4000 votes across Black Chicago she'd still be mayor.

Now I saw some speculation on Twitter about her possibly running for Cook County State's Attorney and Lightfoot was a federal prosecutor. Some might say she was a better prosecutor than mayor - which well that's the truth. Some might say she might go back to the Justice Department perhaps even become Chicago's US Attorney although I don't know if there is a vacancy there.

Regardless she did state that she's done with electoral politics. Is it safe to say she won't run for office ever again?

BTW, I forgot to note in reference to the State's Attorney that last week Kim Foxx stated that she will not run for re-election next year. So that position is now an "open seat"! 

Chicago Decides: Brandon Johnson, Paul Vallas square off in CBS 2 debate #ChiMayor23

 

[VIDEO] We have one week before the April 4, 2023 runoff and this is the last televised mayoral debate between Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson which aired tonight on CBS 2 Chicago WBBM-TV.

You know allow me this opportunity to look at a recent mayoral poll via Rich Miller at CapFax.

CBS 2 Chicago: Johnson & Vallas get fiery at latest debate #ChiMayor23

 

[VIDEO] This most recent debate took place on WGN Tuesday night and I wanted to share this brief story about is from our local CBS affiliate. If I see a video of that whole debate that is embeddable I will share here.

Anyone has any thoughts on these runoff debates? In your opinion who won?

Chicago Tonight: CTA & City eyes community centric development around future Red Line extension #Ward09 #ChiMayor23

 

[VIDEO] I suppose this could be a question for both Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson for the 2023 runoff, what is their position on the CTA Red Line extension. What would they be able to do to make this future extension into Ward 9/Roseland a reality?

WGN News: Vallas & Johnson prepare for tonight's debate #ChiMayor23

 

[VIDEO] This is very short notice so I do apologize for this. The debate airs tonight on NBC-5 hosted by political reporter Mary Ann Ahern. You can watch online via this link from NBCChicago. Wait it will be going on now as I post this as it begins at 6 PM this evening.

As you see on this brief report from WGN you see what's been going on since last week's election. You see Vallas picks up a great endorsement from his fellow mayoral challenger Willie Wilson. And then you see how much support Johnson has from the LGBTQ community, they question Paul Vallas' comittment to their community.

If there is a embed to share of tonight's debate it will be shared here. The runoff election will be on April 4, 2023. Early voting is scheduled to begin March 20, 2023. 

Capitol Fax: Garcia to run TV ad quoting Vallas calling himself a Republican and saying “Fundamentally, I oppose abortion” #ChicagoElections

 Earlier in the year I had found a flyer possibly from Lori Lightfoot that accused Willie Wilson of being a Republican. However, we live in Chicago and this city is a Democratic city. For some perhaps uniformed voters it probably will cause many of them to veer away from the longtime city businessman and philathropist.

And then you get something like an ad from Congressman Chuy Garcia who is certainly favored to defeat incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot in this year's mayoral race. I'll share the video though I want to suggest reading up on the ad itself at CapFax before watching it. 

Basically in the ad below Garcia's campaign is taking aim at how former CPS CEO Paul Vallas identifies himself. Is he a Republican? I he pro-life? Well calling Vallas a Republican is a very easy swipe, however, the abortion issue will probably get someone's attention. However, I just wonder how relevant the abortion issue is to Chicago voters? [VIDEO]

The next question is whether or not the abortion issue is more relevant than the issue of crime or even education?

Last day of petition filing #Ward09

 Today, Lori Lightfoot has filed her papers to run for a second term as Mayor. [VIDEO]

I'll eventually update the 2023 elections page with all candidates that have filed petitions to run against Mayor Lightfoot for the city's top job. In addition these candidates have filed for Alderman of Ward 9.

• Cleopatra Draper
• Alderman Anthony A. Beale
• Sonya Thompson Dorsey
• Cameron M. Barnes

Also bear in mind these petitions will be challenged so this field or for any office in the city for next year will change and we will know for sure who will be on the ballot in February. Those who were able to file for office have done so.

As a reminder here is the ward 9 map from 2023 onwards

Crain's: Who's running for Mayor of Chicago next year

 It's in the news that Congressman Chuy Garcia is throwing his hat in the ring against Mayor Lori Lightfoot next year. Remember that in 2015 he lost a runoff to them Mayor Rahm Emanuel. So he's the latest to thrown his hat in the ring against the vulnerable lightfoot.

Meanwhile, Crain's has a list of candidates who have announced and a list of possible candidates and then a list of those who will NOT be running. At least we got through those midterms this past Tuesday.

Since we're talking about 2023

 According to this Campaign Notebook post over at CapFax we see a couple of names.

Congressman Chuy Garcia and remember he ran against Rahm Emanuel in 2015 and forced a run-off that still resulted in a second term for Mayor Emanuel.

And we also have Pat Quinn. Remember him? He used to be the Governor of Illinois he's looking for a comeback. He tried to come back as an Attorney General of Illinois and fell short in a primary race to current AG Kwame Raoul.

Anyway those items and more over at Capitol Fax.

Campaign notebook https://t.co/kdg55FD3gR

— Capitol Fax (@capitolfax) September 7, 2022

She's finally kicked off re-election campaign

 

[VIDEO] She's in! Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants a second term as Chicago's Mayor. And I got to admit this video was a valiant effort to own that many doesn't like her delivery - so at least she isn't that out of touch. On the other hand she wants voters to know she is a fighter.

Of course we won't be voting for any city office until February 2023 and the question for now is there anyone who has announced for mayor so far that you would vote for?

Of course as happens on the internet and we know she does have opposition, the below video noted a local TV news report that her approval ratings are under 30%. Of course it's meant to be somewhat funny and also showing how much they oppose Mayor Lightfoot. [VIDEO]

I like the clips they throw in from Clockwork Orange this YouTuber wanted to give the viewers the impression that this video hurts their eyes.

And speaking of the 2023 mayoral election - Mayor plans to run for re-election

Mayor Lori Lightfoot

I was actually hoping she wouldn't, being Mayor of Chicago is not an easy job. However she's just combative enough and willing to stand for re-election in 2023. Word from the Sun-Times earlier today.

NEW: Intending to make it “official” sometime “soon,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday she will seek a second term in an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times.https://t.co/RWgpVhoMLx

— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) April 28, 2022

One of her main city council critics Ward 15 Ald. Raymond Lopez is running next year and so is businessman Willie Wilson. Earlier today 5th District US Congressman Mike Quigley announced he won't run for mayor in 2023.

At this point the field is only beginning to form.

Uptown Update: Last Minute Voting Information

This was posted at Uptown Update on Saturday. At this point two days away from Election Day and due to this pandemic we're in unprecedented times.

So unprecedented that a supersite will be set up at our very own United Center on Election Day on November 3, 2020. According to U.U.:

If you're waiting to vote on Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 3rd, you must do so at your precinct's polling place between 6am and 7pm. Or you can go to the United Center (1901 West Madison), which is a new thing, Election Day only.

Also noted you can still early vote until Monday, November 2, 2020 in all 50 wards throughout the city and the Loop Super Site at 191 N. Clark Street. I noted a few days ago the early voting site in Ward 9 with this flyer

 I also made sure to note that if you have mail-in ballots you can drop them off at various library locations throughout the city through Election Day. Here are some nearby locations where you can do so:

• Mount Greenwood Library, 11010 S. Kedzie Ave
  Sun., Closed; Mon. & Wed., 10-5; Tue. & Thu., Noon-7; Fri. & Sat., 10-5
• Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St
  Mon. - Thu., 9-8; Fri. & Sat., 9-5; Sun., 1-5
• West Pullman Library, 830 W. 119th St
  Sun., 1-5; Mon & Wed., Noon-7; Tue. & Thu., 10-5; Fri. & Sat., 10-5

Woodson Library is a very convenient location that is very accessible not only by car, also by public transit, however, I listed other nearby libraries where you can drop off your mail-in ballot. According to the Chicago Board of Elections you have until Nov 2, 2020 to drop them off at those early voting sites and at a drop off sites at a Chicago library.

Also on Election Day while polls are open from 6 AM to 7 PM you can also drop off your mail in ballot:

• ELECTION DAY ONLY - Nov. 3 - 6 am-7 pm
  United Center, 1901 W Madison
  Wrigley Field, Gallagher Way Gate outside the ball park, near Clark Street
  Guaranteed Rate Field, on Shields Avenue just north of 35th Street

This is how U.U. closed their elections posts using a quote from the late Congressman John Lewis: "The vote is precious. It's almost sacred, so go out and vote like you never voted before."

Early voting started on Wednesday

We will have a different election than we had in our history so far. This is due to the ongoing pandemic as the rage for now is to vote by mail instead of voting in person or even waiting until Election Day and going to your local precinct which is what I plan to do.

On Oct. 14, 2020 early voting around the city has started. You can register and cast your ballot at designated locations within all 50 wards and at the Loop Super Site located at 191 N. Clark St. or at Clark/Lake.

The location for Ward 9

• Ward 9 - Curtis Elementary School,  32 E 115th St.

These are the operating hours for early voting until Election Day Nov. 3, 2020 for all sites throughout the city and at the Loop Super Site

• Early Voting sites in all 50 Wards - plus the Loop Super Site
  Monday-Friday - 8:30 am-7 pm
  Saturday-Sunday - 9 am-5 pm
  Election Day, Nov. 3 - 6 am-7 pm

Here's a notice from Ward09.com - Ald. Anthony Beale's constituent webpage about the early voting at Curtis Elementary on 115th Street

If you want more information check out the Chicago Board of Elections page on Early Voting.

The Cook County State's Attorney Race

The above flyer I saw taped on a bus shelter on 95th Street Sunday. This is the first time I've seen such an accusation although if the State's Attorney is unpopular amongst some parts of the electorate it's due to her offices handling of the Jussie Smollett affair - Smollett formerly starred in the popular TV series Empire had allegedly engaged in a hoax claiming racists wearing a Make America Great Again ballcap had assaulted him.

Regardless Foxx easily won the Democrat primary in March even if it was affected by the coronavirus. And she does have a Republican opponent and I mentioned that in passing on Twitter as Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara noted the Republican opponent during his appearance on FOX News Channel.

#IngrahamAngle I hate to say it John Catanzara, but I doubt most of Chicago or Cook County knows who Kim Foxx's Republican opponent is. Who is he? Where is he?

— The Sixth Ward (@TheSixthWard) July 22, 2020

I found this article from March 2020 discussing the Republican opponent Pat O'Brien a former judge who was elected as such as a Democrat in 2006

After cruising through the GOP primary Tuesday, O’Brien outlined his plans to beat incumbent Democrat Kim Foxx in a live-streamed news conference, thanking his family, friends and “everyone who voted against Kim Foxx.”

“We really have to clean up the mess that she’s made,” O’Brien said, not even a minute into his remarks. “I think we have to restore justice to the community. We have to make it safer for people in all of the kinds of activities that they do, and we have to remember that the state’s attorney’s duty is to protect the victims of crime.”
...
O’Brien said he’s taken a hard look at the state’s attorneys office, and while he sees Foxx’s handling of the Jussie Smollett case as “a violation of oath and a lack of integrity” he said the office is “under producing in other areas.”

The former judge said that under Foxx’s administration, fewer than 200 jury trials have been held in 15 felony courtrooms, which works out to less than four trials per courtroom each year. He said that from the 1980s until the first decade of this century that number was much higher. He also said Foxx has “lost more trials and gun cases than she’s won in each of the three years” and called for quicker trials.

This article noted that it's been almost 25 since a Republican had been elected Cook County State's Attorney. I vaguely remember him, he was a man named Jack O'Malley. Perhaps some of you remember those "Back Jack" political ads from back in the day.

Either way, 2020 has proven to be an odd year in a variety of ways. We got this pandemic and this unrest over racial injustice. I thought Trump could be re-elected President and right now he's limping because of those two ongoing crises. Perhaps a Republican could win the State's Attorneys office this year.

However, Cook County seemed to have trended more and more Democrat over the years and since O'Brien seems to have hardly campaigned since his primary I don't see a change in Cook County. Then again who knows time will tell..

View our 2019 elections page #Ward09

Now one of the tabs for this blog. No one from the last election is on the ballot this year in Ward 09, however, we shall see if incumbent Alderman Anthony Beale will once again be re-elected to his office. He's been an Alderman since 1999.

I've been mostly paying attention to The Daily Line's 2019 Alderman election spread sheet. I see that Marcia Brown-Williams has been removed from the ballot due to petition objections. Her name will be stricken from the 2019 page.

Otherwise I will keep an eye out for other updates as I find them.

I will note our still public 2015 election page which was updated months after the election with vote totals for the candidates who were running at that time.

Woman defends herself at a bus stop in Fernwood #ChiMayor19

[VIDEO] Tuesday morning a woman was waiting for a bus near 103rd & Wallace and was forced to use her own conceal carry gun on a teenaged attacker. His attempt to claim a victim whatever his motives cost him his life. I don't like to read about the death of a teen, however, I'm glad that a woman had the wherewithal to not allow herself to be victimized.

You think someone like an Ed Burke - longtime Alderman of the 14th ward who was recently charged by federal authorities with extortion - cares whether or not you use a gun to protect yourself. Well it doesn't matter when federal authorities raided his offices they found 23 guns. Also bear in mind he usually had a police protection detail with him as well which he was stripped of once he resigned his powerful position as chair of the city council committee on finance.

Finally this is one of the more important issues in this year's mayoral campaign what you would've read on today's CapFax blog. An important issue for many Chicagoans, public safety.

Poll: Crime, public safety top list of Chicago voters’ concerns https://t.co/TZhOtsWNui

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 9, 2019

Not to say everyone owning a gun will protect each and every citizen, however, citizens are concerned. Why not empower citizens to defend themselves in the absence of police.

Capitol Fax: Let’s be careful out there #twill

Actually I wrote about this today at The Sixth Ward. You might have seen this on the news Sunday. I share this post from Capitol Fax regarding this shooting in the 15th Ward. A man doing some campaign canvassing got shot by some thugs who didn't recognize him. Rich Miller writes about this on his blog today.

Let’s be careful out there https://t.co/SN7O0nT9Pz

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) December 11, 2018

So let's all be careful out there. Campaigning or not and let's keep politics out of it. Politics already gets a bad rap especially out of Chicago no need to inject thuggish foolishness such as bullets into this.

BTW, want to see the story from ABC 7? [VIDEO]

Capitol Fax: Sun-Times begins to hold candidates’ feet to the fire #ChiMayor19

The CapFax does a quick round-up of items for the mayor's race covering the Sun-Time's report and 19 mayoral candidate's response to what they'd do about Tax Increment Financing district. Also looking at the planks of the mayoral candidates. Finally Elon Musk's hyperloop express service to O'Hare Airport.

Sun-Times begins to hold candidates’ feet to the fire https://t.co/GaKTTI5q09

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) December 10, 2018