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5d ago

Jessica Vasquez Appointed to Cook County Board, Securing 8th District Seat

Vasquez's appointment makes the board majority women for the first time and positions her for the 2026 Democratic primary.

Chicago City Hall and Cook County Building on Sept. 3, 2020. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Jessica Vasquez was selected by Democratic committeepeople to fill the 8th District seat on the Cook County Board for the remaining 18 months of Anthony Quezada's term.
  • Her appointment marks the first time the Cook County Board has a majority of women and makes her the first woman to represent the 8th District.
  • Vasquez, a former chief of staff to Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and a community organizer, has focused her career on immigrant rights and working-family advocacy.
  • The vacancy arose after a series of progressive appointments, including Mayor Brandon Johnson naming Ramirez-Rosa to lead the Chicago Park District and Quezada moving into Ramirez-Rosa’s City Council seat.
  • Vasquez plans to run for the Democratic nomination in the March 2026 primary, emphasizing property tax reform, public health funding, and collaborative governance.