Welcome to the Kalen for 44th Ward campaign newsletter. It’s a newsletter that’s focused on how we can make a better Lakeview for All, together.
Before we dive in: This campaign is powered by neighbors — not corporations — and we need your help to run this grassroots effort. Donate to support this grassroots campaign! I need your help to fight for all of us! Thank you!
We also need volunteers to knock on doors and talk to neighbors about our vision for Lakeview. Sign up to canvass throughout the week and every weekend!
Policy Corner
(Blue) Tsunami Warning in the 44th Ward!
Wow. What an Election Day. Voters in Lakeview and across the country made it clear that they want leaders who answer to them, and not to the corrupt or ultrawealthy. In Lakeview and in races nationwide, candidates bankrolled by special interests and big money lost. Here in the 44th Ward, we’re taking that energy straight into February.
Karen Zaccor wins!
In Lakeview (or more accurately, Chicago Public Schools Board District 4a, which also covers Uptown, North Center, and Edgewater), Karen Zaccor won a three-way race to keep her seat (44% to Ellen Sherratt’s 38% and Angel Alvarez’s 18%). It was the most expensive district school board race in the city’s (admittedly very short) history of district school board races. Common Ground Collective—a PAC heavily funded by billionaire Michael Sacks—and the political arm of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools spent more than $600,000 attacking Karen, a retired CPS teacher who I was proud to endorse, and boosting Sherrat, an education consultant. People power was pitted against slick mailers and digital advertisements, and people power won.
Defeating the Billionares, Chicago Style
Karen’s win is a Chicago-style version of what happened nationally, with organizing and hard work overcoming money. Her volunteers knocked doors, made calls, and talked to their neighbors, and our campaign was proud to volunteer alongside them. Because of that, a retired CPS teacher keeps her seat on the board. A school board fighting for stable funding is a partner for the 44th Ward, and as Alderperson I’ll work alongside it on issues like safe routes to school and bike buses.
Some Brief Sentimality
Thank you to each and every one of you who showed up and voted for Karen. An extra thank you to the volunteers whose hard work made her victory possible. You’re why I got into this race, and why this campaign has a real shot at bringing bold, community-centered leadership to the 44th Ward.
WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED
Our campaign is about building a Lakeview for all—building more homes, protecting our neighbors from preventable crashes and unsafe streets, and delivering representation that you can participate in. Our campaign runs on people power.
Tuesday’s Blue Tsunami was only the first bout. Next comes the municipal election on February 23, 2027, with early voting starting on January 14. Expect special interests like Common Ground Collective to be watching our race and to try putting their thumb on the scale again, as they’ve backed corporate-backed City Council members in races in the past.
On Tuesday, we learned that we can beat them with people power. In February, we’ll need it again.
Sign up here and get involved, because, you guessed it…
WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED!
This Week in Running for Office
What have I been up to?
Saturday, October 31
As you know, in a tight contest, the work never ends, so we spent time on Saturday canvassing and spreading our message. We launched from Dark Matter Coffee in the morning! You can sign up for future canvasses here: Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing
Sunday, November 1
We continued Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing on Sunday, launching from Dat Donuts on Sheffield & Wellington in the afternoon.
Tuesday, November 3
ELECTION DAY WAS AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE:
I visited polling stations throughout Election Day, worked with our volunteers to get out the vote, and strongly supported Karen Zaccor for School Board District 4A. I also spoke to voters about my campaign for Alderman in the 44th Ward. There are a lot of people resonating with my message for a better and more affordable Lakeview, safe streets for pedestrians and cyclists, and a people-powered government.
After the polls closed, I attended the Blue Wave By The Lake watch party, sponsored by Guerrilla Press. It was held at the Annoyance Theater, and festivities continued until all major races were called. We all felt Illinois would go blue, but the strength of the Blue Wave throughout the country was so gratifying. Best of all, locally, was that Karen Zaccor won! She won despite her opponents spending over a half a million dollars against her! It’s a testament to people power and our organizing for her on the ground, both on Election Day and throughout the election cycle. It’s something we will need to do for my campaign in February.
Wednesday, November 4
I participated in the 2800 N. Sheridan Development Meeting to discuss new homes that could be coming to Lakeview. We need to be sure to fight back against those who want to prioritize views over affordable, abundant homes. You can learn more about the development and send feedback here.
What’s coming up next?
Saturday, November 7
Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing: We’ll be continuing to spread our message and grow support on Saturday. Meet us at The Bakehouse on Sheridan at 2:00 p.m. for the canvass launch and stick around for a social afterwar
Sunday, November 8
Cure Petitions with Kalen: Join us at OMI Cafe at 11 am to help cure ballot petitions signatures and hang out with other volunteers! All you'll need is a computer!
Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing: On Sunday, we’ll be canvassing from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Meet us at OMI Cafe on Broadway, and help us have a successful day of meeting our neighbors and spreading our message. Stick around for a social afterward!
Monday, November 9
South East Lakeview Neighbors (SELVN) Meeting: I will be participating in this important meeting of our Lakeview neighbors from 7-8:30 pm at Chabad East where we’ll be discussing and voting on the 2800 N Sheridan development.
Wednesday, November 11
Northside Democracy for America Social and Meeting: I’ll be participating in this social from 6-8 pm at Platform 47. Northside Democracy for America is a grassroots political organization serving the Chicago area. They are committed to electing socially progressive, ethically committed candidates to all levels of government — local, statewide, and national.
Thursday, November 12
Phone Bank with Kalen: Join us from 6-8 pm for our first phone bank where we will talk to voters in the 44th about my campaign and the issues that are important to them. This event is virtual, join from anywhere!
