Chicago’s West Side 37th Ward is set for its most crowded aldermanic contest in years. Incumbent Alderman Emma Mitts, a longtime resident of Austin, is running for an eighth term and will face four challengers: Carmelita Earls, Michael Murphy, Kobey Lofton and Howard “Mr. 37” Ray. The February 23 municipal election will determine who represents neighborhoods including Austin, West Garfield Park and West Humboldt Park.
Background on Alderman Mitts
Mitts has lived in Austin for more than two decades and held several city‑government positions before being appointed to the council seat in January 2000, following the Operation Silver Shovel scandal that led to the imprisonment of her predecessor, former Alderman Percy Giles. She won her first full term in 2003 and has been re‑elected every cycle since, most recently in 2023 when she defeated three challengers, including Howard Ray, with 61 percent of the vote.
The Challengers
Carmelita Earls is a member of the 15th District Police Council, a civilian oversight body. She has spent more than 30 years with the Chicago Fire Department, rising to deputy chief, and has taught as an adjunct professor at City Colleges. Earls previously ran for the 28th Ward seat in 2011 but was disqualified by the Illinois Appellate Court days before the election.
Kobey Lofton, a North Lawndale native, has spent over a decade as a youth advocate and violence‑prevention worker. His platform emphasizes public safety, expanded youth mentorship, and support for local businesses. Lofton says he wants to “write the next chapter of the 37th Ward together,” building on the foundation already laid.
Michael Murphy is an IT systems engineer and community advocate who recently ran as a Libertarian for Cook County Board President, losing to incumbent Toni Preckwinkle. He chairs the Libertarian Party of Cook County and received endorsement from the conservative group Chicago Flips Red. Murphy’s priorities include ending school closures, increasing housing development, ensuring transparency in tax spending, and maintaining vacant commercial properties.
Howard Ray ran against Mitts in 2023, earning 26 percent of the vote while Mitts captured 61 percent. Ray, who calls himself “Mr. 37,” has more than 30 years of public‑service experience, including time with the postal service, the CTA and the Chicago Police Department. His “Better Way Plan” calls for lower property taxes, enhanced public safety, stronger youth education, and greater government accountability.
Petition Challenges
All six candidates have had their nominating petitions challenged. Earls is contesting the petitions of Ray, Murphy and Lofton. Sherwood Grant is challenging the petitions of Lofton, Earls, Mitts and Murphy. Dwight Davis Sr. and Gerline Fisher are jointly challenging the petitions of Lofton, Ray and Earls. The Board of Elections will hold hearings on these challenges and is expected to finalize the ballot by mid‑December. If any challenge is sustained, the affected candidate could be removed from the ballot.
What Voters Should Know
The 37th Ward race reflects a broad spectrum of community concerns, from public safety and youth opportunity to fiscal responsibility and government transparency. Voters will have the chance to evaluate each candidate’s record and proposals at upcoming forums and through campaign literature. With the ballot likely set soon, residents should stay informed about the petition outcomes and ensure they are prepared to vote on February 23.
For more information on the candidates and the petition process, visit the Chicago Board of Elections website or attend the scheduled hearing dates, which will be posted by the Board.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
