27th Ward Alderman Selection Process
Mayor Johnson is excited to announce a community-led process to identify a qualified candidate to fill the 27th 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:
- Applications can be accessed online here.
- The window to submit applications closes on Friday, August 15th at 5:00 PM
- 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
The application can be accessed online here and submitted via email, with a copy of your resume and all supporting material, at: AldermanicVacancy@cityofchicago.org. If you require a paper copy of the application, please pick one up at City Hall, 5th Floor, Room 509, 121 N. La Salle St. Chicago, IL, 60602.
The deadline to submit is Friday, August 15th, 2025
- 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.
The selected candidate will serve until the next regularly scheduled Aldermanic election in 2027. The candidate may choose to run for the position at that time.
Please direct any additional questions to aldermanicvacancy@cityofchicago.org