WEST TOWN — Incumbent Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward) has filed a formal challenge to the nominating petitions submitted by Luis Gomez Jr., the lone challenger seeking a seat on the Chicago City Council in next year’s election.
Petition challenge could keep challenger off ballot
Villegas, who has represented the 36th Ward since 2015 and was recently named chair of the Council’s powerful zoning committee, says his team has identified about 300 signatures on Gomez’s petitions that appear invalid, many belonging to voters who do not reside in the ward.
“Everyone has a right to run, but we want to make sure that they’re doing it the proper way,” Villegas told reporters on Friday. “Based on our attorney’s experience, we feel very confident that there may be a chance that he gets kicked off.”
Gomez’s response and campaign focus
Gomez, a political newcomer who works in security for the City’s Department of Aviation at O’Hare Airport, says his campaign will focus on improving city services, such as filling potholes and trimming trees. He submitted roughly 740 signatures to meet the required 473 valid signatures by the Oct. 26 deadline.
“I will have my day to go fight this challenge,” Gomez said. “From your lips to God’s ears, I will make it on the ballot.”
Election filing timeline
The Chicago Board of Elections requires aldermanic candidates to turn in at least 473 valid signatures by Oct. 26 to secure a spot on the Feb. 23 ballot. Hearings on petition challenges, including those against mayoral hopefuls, are set to begin next week, with the board expected to certify the ballot by mid‑December.
Background on the 36th Ward race
The 36th Ward, traditionally a Northwest Side district, was dramatically redrawn in 2022, extending from Montclare down Grand Avenue to West Town. In the 2023 municipal election, Villegas fended off three challengers and defeated a Chicago Teachers Union‑backed candidate in a runoff. Since his reelection, he has opened a second constituent services office in Ukrainian Village and emerged as a vocal critic of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget proposals, including opposition to a corporate head tax.
Gomez, a resident of the Montclare section of the ward, has not yet indicated whether he will seek additional legal recourse if the challenge proceeds. The outcome of the petition dispute will determine whether the 36th Ward race will feature a contested ballot or if Villegas will run unopposed.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
