Jeylú Gutiérrez (born 1987/1988)[1] is an American politician from Chicago. She is the alderperson for Chicago City Council's 14th ward. She won the 2023 election to the office, replacing 54-year incumbent Ed Burke.[2] The 14th ward includes parts of the Archer Heights and Gage Park neighborhoods.

Jeylú Gutiérrez
Member of the Chicago City Council
from the 14th ward
Assumed office
May 15, 2023
Preceded byEdward M. Burke
Personal details
Born1987 or 1988 (age 36–37)
Mexico
Political partyDemocratic
EducationUniversity of the Valley of Mexico (AA)
Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (BA)
National Louis University (BA)

Early life and career

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Gutiérrez was born in Mexico, and immigrated to Chicago when she was 15 years old.[3] She worked as a counselor and community liaison for public schools, including Benito Juarez High School in Pilsen and Hernandez Middle School in Gage Park. Her interest in politics began as a volunteer in Chuy García's campaign for mayor in 2015.[4] She later worked as a district director for Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya.[4][5]

In September 2022, Gutiérrez announced her campaign for alderperson of the 14th ward, along with an endorsement from U.S. Representative Chuy García.[6][7] The 14th ward seat had been held since 1969 by Ed Burke, who had been indicted in 2019 and was awaiting trial for corruption and racketeering charges.[8][9] Redistricting following the 2020 Census changed the boundaries of the 14th ward such that its Latino majority grew and some majority-white precincts that had heavily favored Burke were removed.[7][4] In November, Burke announced that he would not seek re-election.[10][11] After Burke's exit, Gutiérrez faced Raúl Reyes, a staff assistant in the City Clerk's office who had ties to Burke.[3][4][12][13] Gutiérrez received endorsements and contributions from state senator Celina Villaneuva, state representative Aaron Ortiz, and the SEIU Illinois Council PAC. In the February 2023 election, Gutiérrez won with over 65% of the vote.[14][2][3]

Electoral history

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2023 Chicago aldermanic election, 14th ward, first round[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Nonpartisan Jeylú Gutiérrez 3,081 65.2
Nonpartisan Raul Reyes 1,647 34.8
Total votes 4,728 100%

References

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  1. ^ Armentrout, Mitchell (May 15, 2023). "Find Your Alderperson". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Myers, Quinn (2023-03-01). "Jeylu Gutierrez Will Replace Indicted Ald. Ed Burke, Becoming 14th Ward's 1st New Leader In 50 Years". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 2023-03-04.
  3. ^ a b c "Ed Burke's reign ends as 14th Ward elects Jeylú Gutiérrez 1st new alderman in 54 years". ABC7 Chicago. 2023-03-01. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  4. ^ a b c d Myers, Quinn (2023-01-24). "Indicted Ald. Ed Burke Is Retiring After 54 Years. Here's Who Is Running To Replace Him In 14th Ward". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 2023-03-04.
  5. ^ "Jeylu Gutierrez". Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  6. ^ Gutiérrez, Jeylú (September 7, 2022). ""I am honored to announce my candidacy for 14th Ward Alderperson ..."". Facebook. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  7. ^ a b "Rep. Chuy Garcia endorses challenger to Ed Burke in 2023 Chicago City Council election". ABC7 Chicago. 2022-09-08. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  8. ^ Cherone, Heather (July 12, 2022). "Ald. Ed Burke Set to Stand Trial Nov. 6, 2023 — Nearly 4 1/2 Years After Indictment". WTTW News. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  9. ^ "Jeylú Gutiérrez holding significant lead in race to replace Ed Burke in 14th Ward". CBS News. 2023-02-28. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  10. ^ Spielman, Fran (2022-11-28). "End of an era in Chicago politics as Burke chooses retirement over uphill battle for a record 15th term". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  11. ^ "Chicago election: Indicted Ald. Ed Burke won't seek 14th term". Chicago Tribune. 2022-11-28. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  12. ^ "Chicago election: Seat held by Ed Burke won by Jeylu Gutierrez". Chicago Tribune. 2023-02-28. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  13. ^ "Two candidates vie to replace indicted Ald. Ed Burke in 14th Ward". CBS News. 2023-02-22. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  14. ^ Gunderson, Erica (March 5, 2023). "Jeylú Gutiérrez First New Alderperson to Represent 14th Ward in 54 Years". WTTW News. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  15. ^ Chicago Board of Elections (March 15, 2023). "Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the February 28, 2023 Municipal General and Alderperson Elections Held in Each of the Precincts in All the Wards in the City of Chicago" (PDF). Retrieved March 15, 2023.