Does Chicago Still Have Ward Bosses?

While election officials will draw a lottery today to see which candidates will get top spots on the March 2024 ballot, we’re looking at one race that might confuse some Chicagoans: ward committeeperson.

What is a Ward Committeeperson?

A committeeperson works on behalf of a political party and handles ward politics like voter registration and election materials. Each of Chicago’s 50 wards and Cook County townships can have a Democratic and Republican committeeperson.

That’s in contrast to alders, city officials who handle government tasks like fielding pothole complaints, helping with business licenses, and writing laws in City Council.

Are Committeepeople Powerful?

Under former Mayor Richard J. Daley, ward committeepeople were known as ward bosses and had more clout than alders, WBEZ reported. Democratic ward bosses offered government jobs in exchange for campaign help, an example of old-school machine politics.

A 1969 lawsuit challenging the patronage system led to new city and county rules, but the role still holds power.

Committeepeople can replace vacated posts in the Illinois General Assembly and U.S. House of Representatives, a move some lawmakers have used mid-term to pick their successors without voters getting a say. It’s one reason there have been calls to abolish committeepeople.

Why Are Some Alders Also Committeepeople?

Holding both posts is a way for alders to concentrate as much power in their wards as possible while also preventing political rivals from building a base.

So Which Races Should You Watch in 2024?

On March 19, Chicagoans will elect party committeepeople for four-year terms. Here are a few wards we’re watching on the Democratic ballot:

Plus, four Chicago wards are also slated to get Libertarian Party committeepeople, a first for the city, Chicago Board of Elections spokesperson Max Bever told Hey Chicago. Libertarian candidates in those wards are running unopposed.