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Hello Kelly,
The Board of Directors of the Democratic Party of the 49th Ward met Thursday evening to consider the candidates in the Chicago Mayoral runoff election on April 4, 2023.
The Organization had not endorsed a candidate prior to the February 28 election where Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas advanced to the runoff. The Board weighed the records and public statements of both Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson and determined that Commissioner Brandon Johnson best matches the values of our organization and our community.
“An actual lifelong Democrat doesn’t say ‘I’m more of a Republican now,’” said David Kogan, president of the Democratic Party of the 49th Ward, “Our organization is dedicated to doing everything in our power to ensure Chicago elects a real Democrat who will uphold the values of our community.”
“For me, as a member of the LGBTQ community, Paul Vallas represents an existential threat to my family and my community,” said 49th Ward Democratic Committeeperson Kelly Cassidy, “Any candidate that elevates the voices of book banners, bullies, and transphobes has no home in this organization.”
“We’re supporting Brandon Johnson for Mayor because the vision of Chicago he is working towards is one that serves all of us, not just a privileged few. It’s the vision that moves us forward to be better, not the one that drags us backward. Brandon is better,” said Alderwoman Maria Hadden of the 49th Ward.
The organization and the neighborhood independent political organization, Network 49 will work in tandem to ensure Johnson's success in April. An upcoming neighborhood meet and greet for Johnson and celebration of the victory of the newly elected Police District Council members is in the works.
Onward!
Kelly and David
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