Jeylú Gutiérrez (born 1987/1988)[1] is an American politician from Chicago. She is the alderperson for Chicago City Council's 14th ward. She won the 2023 election to the office, replacing 54-year incumbent Ed Burke.[2] The 14th ward includes parts of the Archer Heights and Gage Park neighborhoods.
Jeylú Gutiérrez | |
---|---|
Member of the Chicago City Council from the 14th ward | |
Assumed office May 15, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Edward M. Burke |
Personal details | |
Born | 1987 or 1988 (age 36–37) Mexico |
Political party | Democratic |
Education | University of the Valley of Mexico (AA) Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (BA) National Louis University (BA) |
Early life and career
Gutiérrez was born in Mexico, and immigrated to Chicago when she was 15 years old.[3] She worked as a counselor and community liaison for public schools, including Benito Juarez High School in Pilsen and Hernandez Middle School in Gage Park. Her interest in politics began as a volunteer in Chuy García's campaign for mayor in 2015.[4] She later worked as a district director for Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya.[4][5]
In September 2022, Gutiérrez announced her campaign for alderperson of the 14th ward, along with an endorsement from U.S. Representative Chuy García.[6][7] The 14th ward seat had been held since 1969 by Ed Burke, who had been indicted in 2019 and was awaiting trial for corruption and racketeering charges.[8][9] Redistricting following the 2020 Census changed the boundaries of the 14th ward such that its Latino majority grew and some majority-white precincts that had heavily favored Burke were removed.[7][4] In November, Burke announced that he would not seek re-election.[10][11] After Burke's exit, Gutiérrez faced Raúl Reyes, a staff assistant in the City Clerk's office who had ties to Burke.[3][4][12][13] Gutiérrez received endorsements and contributions from state senator Celina Villaneuva, state representative Aaron Ortiz, and the SEIU Illinois Council PAC. In the February 2023 election, Gutiérrez won with over 65% of the vote.[14][2][3]
Electoral history
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nonpartisan | Jeylú Gutiérrez | 3,081 | 65.2 | |
Nonpartisan | Raul Reyes | 1,647 | 34.8 | |
Total votes | 4,728 | 100% |