35th Ward Alderman Selection Process
Mayor Johnson is excited to announce a robust community-led process to identify a qualified candidate to fill the 35th Ward Aldermanic vacancy. A civic committee comprised of lifelong community leaders who reside and work in the 35th Ward will review and consider all applications submitted for the vacancy and provide a recommendation to Mayor Johnson.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible, applicants must fulfill the below requirements:
- Applicant must have lived in the 35th Ward for at least one year prior to taking office and be registered to vote in the 35th Ward.
- Applicant must be a valued, public servant who has demonstrated their commitment to their community.
- Applicant must be able to passionately advocate on behalf of 35th Ward residents.
- Applicant must meet all other eligibility requirements under Illinois law, as laid out in the application form.
Process
As has been done in years prior for open Aldermanic seats, the appointment must be made within 60 days following the process outlined below:
- Link to download the 35th Ward Application (pdf).
- The window to submit applications closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025
- Applications should include a cover letter to Mayor Johnson expressing your interest in being considered for the appointment; a resume that includes details about your prior work experience and your educational background; and at least three letters of recommendation from community leaders, business leaders, or residents of the 35th ward.
- The 35th Ward Civic Committee, Chaired by Alderwoman Michelle Harris, will review applications, interview candidates, and make a recommendation to the Mayor.
- Once confirmed, the appointed Alderman will remain in place until the next aldermanic election in 2027.
Committee Members
- Alderwoman Michelle Harris, 8th Ward, Ex Oficio Member
- Juliet De Jesus Alejandre, Executive Director, Palenque LSNA
- Marcela Reales Visbal, Assistant Director, Center for Latino Research, DePaul University
- Christian Diaz, Director of Equitable Community Development, Palenque LSNA
- Stephen Andrew Schneider, President, Logan Square Preservation
Applicants
The City received six applications for the 35th Ward Alderman. The names of all applicants are listed below. Only two of the applications were complete. View resumes for those who submitted complete applications.
- Daniel Tobon Zuluaga
- Anthony Joel Quezada
- Gladys Tanchez
- Kinley Knipmeyer
- Christopher Laurent
- Lawrence Ligas
Contact Information
For more information about the selection process, please email: AldermanicVacancy@cityofchicago.org
Download the 35th Ward Application and submit via email, with a copy of your resume and all supporting material, at: AldermanicVacancy@cityofchicago.org. Applications can also be picked-up and submitted at the 35th Ward Office, located at 2934 N Milwaukee Ave unit c, Chicago, IL 60618 between the hours of 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
The deadline to submit is 5:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025
- Applicant must have lived in the 35th Ward for at least one year prior to taking office and be registered to vote in the 35th Ward.
- Applicant must be a valued, public servant who has demonstrated their commitment to their community.
- Applicant must be able to passionately advocate on behalf of 35th Ward residents.
- Applicant must meet all other eligibility requirements under Illinois law, as laid out in the application form.
The selected candidate will serve until the next regularly scheduled Aldermanic election in 2027. The candidate may choose to run for the position at that time.
Please direct any additional questions to AldermanicVacancy@cityofchicago.org