Mayor Johnson is excited to announce a community-led process to identify a qualified candidate to fill the 27^th Ward Aldermanic vacancy. A selection committee, chaired by Alderwoman Michelle Harris and made up of community leaders, will review and consider all applications submitted for the vacancy and provide a recommendation to Mayor Johnson. 

Eligibility

In order to be eligible, applicants must fulfill the below requirements:

• Applicant must have lived in the 27th Ward for at least one year prior to taking office and be registered to vote in the 27th Ward.
• Applicant must be a valued, public servant who has demonstrated their commitment to their community.
• Applicant must be able to passionately advocate on behalf of 27th Ward residents.
• Applicant must meet all other eligibility requirements under Illinois law, as laid out in the application form.

Process

As has been done in years prior for open Aldermanic seats, the appointment must be made within 60 days after the vacancy occurs, following the process outlined below:

• The window to submit applications is now closed.
• Applications must include a cover letter to Mayor Johnson expressing your interest in being considered for the appointment; a resume that includes details about your prior work experience and your educational background; and at least three letters of recommendation from community leaders, business leaders, or residents of the 27th Ward.
• The 27th Ward Selection Committee, Chaired by Alderwoman Michelle Harris, will review applications, interview candidates, and make a recommendation to the Mayor.
• Once confirmed, the appointed Alderman will remain in place until the next aldermanic election in 2027.

Committee Members

• Alderwoman Michelle Harris, Ex-Officio Chair
• John Bosca, President Emeritus, Neighbors of River West
• Keith D. Muhammad, Community Engagement Coordinator, Greater West Town Project
• Armando Chacon, President, West Central Association
  

Contact Information

For more information about the selection process, please email: AldermanicVacancy@cityofchicago.org  

Applicants

The City received ten applications for the 27th Ward Alderman. The names of all applicants are listed below. Seven of the applications were complete and submitted on time. View resumes for those who submitted complete applications below.

• Cynthia Bednarz
• Walter Burnett
• Daniel Goldberg
• Jeffery Kelly
• Salvador Lopez
• Maryiam Saifuddin
• Michelle Strassburger
• Emily Beaufort
• Chris Jehle
• Kimberly Saunders