Seven Seek Chicago 25th Ward Seat

Seven candidates filed to run for the 25th Ward alderman seat in Chicago, creating a crowded field for the February 23 election.

The Chicago Board of Elections accepted petitions from incumbent Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Aida Flores, Nubia Batista Willman, Ian Watkins, Miguel Chacon, Leonardo Quintero, and Chula C. Ortiz. Two of these filings face challenges that could keep Watkins and Ortiz off the ballot.

Daniel Montes-Talledos, a 2023 candidate who dropped out, filed the challenges against the petition signatures. The board is scheduled to certify the final ballot on December 17.

The race began after Sigcho-Lopez announced an independent bid for Congress to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. Sigcho-Lopez failed to secure enough signatures for the congressional ballot, and Garcia’s former chief of staff, Patty Garcia, won that seat on Tuesday. The alderman launched his reelection campaign in mid-August, followed by Ortiz that same month.

Flores, a Pilsen educator, was the first to announce her bid. She lost the previous election with 47 percent of the vote against Sigcho-Lopez’s 52 percent. Four other candidates announced their plans during the spring and summer. Sigcho-Lopez, a self-described Democratic Socialist, is seeking a third term after winning in 2019 and 2023. He has spoken out against Israel’s actions in Gaza, the billionaire class, Gov. JB Pritzker, and federal immigration enforcement.

The other candidates include Batista Willman, an immigration attorney and former director of the city’s Office of New Americans. Quintero is a local organizer and police district council member. Watkins is a retired ballet dancer and communications strategist. Ortiz is a Pilsen mother and former Chicago Park District employee who ran for the 12th Ward seat in 2011.

The ward covers Pilsen, University Village, and part of Little Village. Voters will choose the next alderperson on February 23.