North Park – Alderman Samantha Nugent has filed the only petition for the 39th Ward seat, meaning she will run unopposed for a third term in Chicago’s municipal election on Feb. 23.
Filing confirms uncontested race
The Chicago Board of Elections recorded Nugent’s petition submission by the Monday deadline. Records show two petitions were filed under her name, though officials said it may be a clerical error. A board spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Background and prior victories
Nugent first won the seat in 2019 after a runoff against architect Robert Murphy, succeeding retiring Alderman Margaret Laurino, who had served since 1994. She was reelected in 2023, defeating data researcher Denali Dasgupta with 62 percent of the vote.
Policy focus and community work
During her first term, Nugent introduced participatory budgeting to the ward, resulting in projects such as a nature space for children at Gompers Park. In her current term she has pushed for increased resources for the homeless, advocated for closing a tent encampment at Eugene Field Park, and called for greater city attention to domestic‑violence issues, noting there’s “a ton more work to do.”
She has also successfully lobbied for additional police presence, more surveillance cameras, and license‑plate readers to address violent crime in the ward.
Ward geography and upcoming election
The 39th Ward covers parts of North Park, Forest Glen, Old Edgebrook, Albany Park and Irving Park. Voters will head to the polls on Feb. 23 to elect the mayor, alderpersons and other local officials.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
