14th Ward race: Seat held by Ald. Ed Burke since 1969 won by Jeylu Gutierrez

John Byrne, A.D. Quig, Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune
Updated ·1 min read

In the Southwest Side 14th Ward, progressive candidate Jeylu Gutierrez opened up a lead over Raúl Reyes in her bid to become the first new council member in the ward in more than 50 years, and the ward’s first Latina alderperson.

With all precincts reporting, Gutierrez had 65% of the vote, according to unofficial results, and declared victory Tuesday night. Raul Reyes had 35%.

The two candidates on the ballot are far less well-known than their political backers.

Gutierrez, district director for Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, ran with the support of mayoral candidate and U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García. Outgoing Ald. Edward Burke has ties to Reyes.

This is the ward’s first new alderman since Burke was elected in 1969. Facing federal corruption charges, he declined in November to file petitions to get his name on the ballot for reelection.

Supporters who were gathered for mayoral candidate Jesus “Chuy” Garcia’s Little Village watch party erupted when Gutiérrez arrived.

“We’re bringing equity to this ward,” Gutierrez, the first immigrant and woman elected in the 14th, told reporters. “I’m not going to make a difference between undocumented permanent residents and citizens. They all deserve the same type of treatment.”

Gutiérrez said she’d run the office differently than her predecessor, who is currently facing racketeering charges and set to go on trial in November. “I’m going to be transparent,” she said.