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Mayor Johnson Confronts Caucus Contest for Burnett’s Key Council Roles

He faces decisions on the 27th Ward seat, vice mayor’s office and zoning chair as council caucuses jockey for control.

City Council members and staff clap for Ald. Walter Burnett, 27th, seated, during a the meeting at City Hall, July 16, 2025. Burnett is stepping down from City Council at the end of this month. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Walter Burnett Jr. will resign at the end of July and is a finalist for the Chicago Housing Authority CEO role, with the CHA board set to vote on July 29.
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson must appoint successors for the 27th Ward alderperson seat, the vice mayor’s office and the Zoning Committee chair following Burnett’s departure.
  • Black and Latino caucus leaders have begun lobbying for the Zoning Committee chairmanship, with Ald. Andre Vasquez and Ald. Stephanie Coleman both positioning themselves as contenders.
  • Burnett has urged that his son, Walter R. Burnett III, be tapped for the 27th Ward seat, sparking debate over political succession versus merit-based appointments.
  • These upcoming selections are set to reshape the City Council’s power balance and steer Chicago’s housing and development policy direction.