The race for mayor is heating up while an indicted alderman has thinned the race for his seat by deciding not to seek reelection.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia filed their nominating petitions for the office of mayor on the same day indicted Ald. Edward Burke announced his retirement after 14 terms representing the 15th Ward, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. There are now 11 people running for mayor and two running for the 15th Ward seat.
Ald. Roderick Sawyer, Chicago Police Officer Frederick Collins and Johnny Logalbo also filed their petitions to run for mayor.
Lightfoot’s petition had more than 40,000 signatures while Garcia’s notched 48,000.
“This is an example of the type of grassroots support that our campaign is generating across Chicagoland, across ethnic and racial communities, communities of faith. We are excited,” Garcia said when he filed his petition.
Burke’s decision to not seek reelection comes in light of legal troubles facing the longest-serving alderperson in Chicago’s history. Burke is currently facing federal corruption charges that followed Zoning Committee Chairman Danny Solis wearing a wire to spy on Burke’s illicit activities. Burke is accused of trying to extort business for his law firm from developer 601W Companies in exchange for an $18 million and $100 million tax break.
Burke left his mark all over Chicago legislation. He led the city-wide ban on indoor smoking and campaigned to mandate carbon monoxide detectors and defibrillators in public buildings.
“I don’t think anyone truly understands the magnitude that was Ed Burke in terms of shaping the laws and creating the city of Chicago that we know,” Ald. Ray Lopez told the Sun-Times.
Mayoral candidate Garcia has endorsed Brighton Park resident Jeylu Guttierrez to fill Burke’s seat, while Burke himself is expected to support Raul Reyes.
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