In the Southwest Side 14th Ward, progressive candidate Jeylu Gutierrez opened up a lead over Raúl Reyes as Gutierrez seeks to become the first new council member in the ward in more than 50 years.
With all precincts reporting unofficial results, Gutierrez had 65% of the vote to 35% for Raul Reyes.
The two candidates on the ballot are far less well-known than their political backers.
Gutierrez, district director for Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, runs with the support of mayoral candidate and U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García. Outgoing Ald. Edward Burke has ties to Reyes.
One way or the other, the ward will see its 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 also-ran Jesus “Chuy” Garcia’s Little Village watch party erupted when Gutiérrez arrived. Fifty-three years after Ald. Ed Burke first won the office, Gutiérrez — the first immigrant, Latino and woman elected in the ward — claimed victory.
“We’re bringing equity to this ward,” she told reporters. “I’m not going to make a difference between undocumented permanent residents and citizens. They all deserve the same type of treatment.”
After soundly beating the Burke-backed candidate Raul Reyes, Gutiérrez said she’d run the office differently than her predecessor, who is currently facing racketeering charges.
“I’m going to be transparent,” she said.
