Municipal mudslinging and map maneuvers in Chicago
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Now that U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley has passed on running for mayor, the political intrigue at City Council returns to a familiar battle: maps.
Why it matters: The new ward map will shape Chicago politics for the next decade. But the council is split on two competing maps which ultimately may be decided by voters.
The latest: On Wednesday, the council refused to vote on letting the Latino Caucus update its map for the ballot.
- The caucus wanted to update based on citizen input.
- But opponents called the updates a "Burke protection plan."
- Indicted Ald. Ed Burke (14th) has yet to choose a side.
Context: The big difference between the two maps has to do with representation in both the Black and Latino communities.
- In the 2020 census, Chicago’s Black population dropped 10% compared to 2010.
- The Latino population jumped 5%.
- The Asian American population surged 30%.
State of play: The prolonged political fight is over one seat.
- The Latino Caucus supports the People’s Coalition Map, which includes 15 Latino-majority wards.
- The map supported by the Black Caucus (Chicago United Map) includes only 14.
The intrigue: The two competing maps are creating strange bedfellows — and in turn, confusing voters.
Who supports the Chicago United Map:
- The Black Caucus
- Finance chairman Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd)
- Progressive Caucus members Ald. Jeannette Taylor (20th), Ald. Maria Hadden (49)
- Newly appointed 11th ward alderperson Nicole Lee
Who supports the People's Coalition Map:
- The Latino Caucus
- Progressive Caucus members Ald. Rosanna Rodriguez Sanchez (33rd), Ald. Carlos Ramirez Rosa (35th)
- The independent political advocacy group Change Illinois
- Tribune and the Sun-Times editorial boards
Deadline: If 41 alderpeople agree on a map by May 19, they can avoid putting the issue on the June 28 ballot.
Where's the mayor? Mayor Lightfoot has decided to stay out of the fray.