The 11th Ward is set with Tuesday’s runoff election to step into its new role as Chicago’s first Asian-majority City Council seat, though some familiar Irish power brokers are still throwing their weight around.
Ald. Nicole Lee is running for her first full term representing Bridgeport and Chinatown, with the backing of former Mayor Richard M. Daley and his brother Cook County Commissioner John Daley and the attendant political boost and baggage their endorsements bring in the traditional Daley family seat of power.
Also on the ballot is Chicago police Officer Anthony “Tony” Ciaravino, who says he’s got more grassroots neighborhood support and stresses his law enforcement background.
[ The 11th Ward’s complex history is ever-present in latest campaign for alderman ]
Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Lee a year ago to replace Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson, Richard M. Daley’s nephew, after he was convicted on federal tax-related charges.
Ciaravino and Lee agree public safety is the most pressing issue in voters’ minds.
Ciaravino said he got in the race because Lee has failed to keep the ward safe, and that “she jumped on the crime, public safety platform” only recently.
Lee said she has “taken actions to ensure that police have the resources that they need,” including voting in favor of the 2023 city budget that increased police funding.
