Incumbent Alderman William Hall is preparing for a second term representing Chicago’s 6th Ward, a diverse South Side district that includes parts of West Woodlawn, Chatham, Park Manor, West Chesterfield, Grand Crossing, Auburn Gresham and Englewood. Hall will appear on the February 23 ballot alongside two challengers, Allyson Renee Scrutchens and Curtiss Llong Bey, after each filed the required petitions with the Chicago Board of Elections.
Petition challenges loom for all candidates
The Board of Elections confirmed that Hall, Scrutchens and Llong Bey each submitted the mandated 473 valid signatures by the October 26 deadline. However, challenges have been lodged against Hall’s petition and two separate challenges target Llong Bey’s signatures. The challenges were filed by Saheera Rascoe and Frank Kimbrough, as well as by Steven Stewart, and will be heard before the Board certifies the ballot in mid‑December.
Candidate backgrounds and platforms
Hall, a former senior pastor at St. James Community Church, entered City Council in 2023 after winning a runoff against Richard Wooten to succeed Ald. Roderick Sawyer. During his first term he served on the Economic, Education, Workforce Development, Finance, Zoning, Recreation and Police/Fire committees. Hall has aligned himself with Mayor Brandon Johnson on many issues, though they have diverged on key votes such as the city’s hemp ban and a proposal to ban video gaming machines, which Hall supported and the mayor vetoed.
Scrutchens, the founder of nonprofit consulting firm Forward Change, previously led the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation, overseeing a $1 million scholarship fund. Her campaign emphasizes community and business development, quality‑of‑life improvements, education prioritization and stronger public safety. She has earned endorsements from state Sen. Willie Preston, County Commissioner Michael Scott and local bakery owner Stephanie Hart. “The legendary 6th Ward deserves leadership that listens carefully, plans strategically, and delivers visibly,” Scrutchens said.
Curtiss Llong Bey is a repeat candidate who first appeared on a ballot as an independent in a 2013 special election for Illinois’ 2nd congressional district. He previously attempted runs for the 9th Ward Aldermanic seat in 2015 and the 6th Ward in 2023, both of which were halted by petition challenges. Little information is currently available about his platform for this race.
Key issues shaping the contest
Public safety remains a central concern for voters. Hall has highlighted a recent spate of burglaries along the 75th Street business corridor and has advocated for measures to curb crime. Scrutchens also stresses safety, promising to invest in business corridors and provide responsive constituent services. The race will likely test how each candidate balances development goals with the need for secure neighborhoods.
Election timeline
The Board of Elections will hold hearings on the petition challenges before certifying the final ballot by mid‑December. Voters in the 6th Ward will then head to the polls on February 23 to choose their next alderperson.
Residents seeking more information about the candidates can visit their campaign websites or attend upcoming community forums, which the Board of Elections will announce as they become available.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
