Near West Side – The Burnett political dynasty, which has represented Chicago’s 27th Ward for more than three decades, is once again in the spotlight as the upcoming municipal election approaches. Darlena Williams‑Burnett, a former Cook County commissioner and Democratic committeewoman, has formally challenged the nominating petitions of all four candidates seeking to unseat her son, Alderman Walter Redmond Burnett.
Petition objections filed
Williams‑Burnett told Block Club Chicago that she independently reviewed each petition and found numerous signatures that may not belong to registered voters residing in the ward. Under the Illinois Election Code, a valid signature must come from a registered voter in the candidate’s ward who has not signed another candidate’s petition for the same race.
Family involvement and experience
When asked why she, rather than a campaign staffer, filed the objections, Williams‑Burnett emphasized her familiarity with the petition process. “I’m very versed in this,” she said. “I had the opportunity to review all of the petitions and saw a lot of issues with them, and I decided to file the objection.”
The alderman confirmed that both of his parents assisted in reviewing the petitions while he was occupied with duties at City Hall. He described his mother’s role as volunteer work, noting that she holds no formal position in his campaign.
Background on the Burnett legacy
Walter Burnett Jr. served as the 27th Ward alderman for 30 years before retiring last summer, holding influential posts such as vice mayor and chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards. In September 2025, Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Walter Redmond Burnett to fill the seat vacated by his father, and the City Council confirmed the appointment.
Since taking office, Alderman Burnett has been active in City Hall, helping shape legislation such as the One Fair Wage pause, a proposed 15‑cent package tax in the mayor’s 2027 budget, and a revamp of the ward’s wayfinding program.
Election outlook
Burnett now faces four challengers – Mary Eason, Nate Cornell, Dan Olas and Tyhesha Haynes – in his first re‑election bid. No petitions were filed against his own candidacy. The challenges will be reviewed by election board hearing officers, with decisions expected later this year. The municipal election is scheduled for February 23.
While acknowledging the potential for “nepotism” accusations, Burnett said he is prepared to address them. “I’m going to have to fight the nepotism claims anyway,” he said. “I’m ready for it.”
What voters should know
Voters in the 27th Ward should watch for the board’s rulings on the petition challenges, as they will determine which opponents appear on the ballot. The outcome will shape the choices available to residents in February’s election, a contest that will test the endurance of a family‑centred political legacy in Chicago’s Near West Side.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
