Community organizer Ronnie Mosley held a lead over retired firefighter Cornell Dantzler to become the 21st Ward’s next alderman.
With 98% of precincts reporting, Mosley had 52% of the vote to 48% for Dantzler, according to unofficial results from the Chicago Board of Elections.
If the lead holds, Mosley will replace Ald. Howard Brookins Jr., who is stepping down in May after two decades. Mail-in ballots in races across the city still need to be counted, including in the 21st Ward.
Mosley and Dantzler emerged from the crowded first-round election to meet in the runoff to represent Washington Heights, Brainerd and West Pullman.
Mosley, who worked on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2022 reelection campaign, has also received $20,000 from Pritzker’s campaign fund, along with the governor’s endorsement.
Dantzler’s campaign got lots of support from firefighter unions, while Mosley’s campaign had the backing of the powerful Service Employees International Union.
With the potential for construction on the long-sought extension of the CTA Red Line starting in the next four years, the promise of economic development comes with concerns about gentrification.