City Clerk Miguel del Valle plans to be a candidate to replace Mayor Richard M. Daley, who is not seeking re-election next year, a political spokeswoman for del Valle said Wednesday afternoon.
“He is running for mayor,” the spokeswoman, Alejandra Moran, told the Chicago News Cooperative.
Moran said del Valle was not immediately available for comment.
Members of the City Council’s Latino caucus said del Valle informed them of his intent during their monthly lunch meeting after Wednesday’s council meeting.
Other Latino politicians who are considering running in the Feb. 22 election include U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and former 1st Ward Ald. Manny Flores, according to sources close to Gutierrez and Flores.
Hispanics are the fastest-growing racial group in Chicago, a city where no race comes anywhere near forming a majority of the population. But political activists estimate that they form no more than about 20 percent of voters, compared to almost 40 percent each for blacks and whites.
Del Valle, 59, was born in Puerto Rico and had a long career as a state legislator before leaving Springfield in 2006 to accept Daley’s appointment as city clerk. He replaced James Laski, who was convicted on corruption charges.
In 2007, he ran on Daley’s ticket and won a full term as clerk, becoming the first Hispanic elected to citywide office.
I’m a white person and I like this guy. He is a hard worker and has good community relations. Don’t rule out cross-racial voting – the days of Washington/Vrdolyak racial divide are gone. I think Joe Moore would also attract many voters of other race/ethnicities. Let’s get a progressive!
Good to hear Karen!
Finally a serious candidate!!!!!!!!! He can count on my vote!!!!!!!!!!