We are delighted to announce that, as of the end of day Tuesday, April 20, we have the most votes in the final count. We expect to be proclaimed the winner this week by the Cook County Clerk’s Office.

What made this First Ward campaign special was that it was a community effort in the best and truest sense. Residents from every corner of our ward, from all walks of life, of all ages, worked together, creating a wonderful energy, to deliver this win. A true cross-section of Evanston rolled up their sleeves and pushed this campaign across the finish line. The inclusiveness and diversity inspires me and reinforces my commitment to serve the needs of all First Ward residents, regardless of which box someone checked.

Evanston has a long history of leading some of our nation’s most important conversations. When we are at our best, we’ve been a beacon of progress and humanity. This First Ward win is about those values and about that commitment and the desire to be even better.

And while I’m honored to have been chosen to advance that commitment on behalf of Evanston’s First Ward, this win represents a team effort. I’m thankful for a campaign team that was essential in delivering this win. Our hard working, brilliant, and committed campaign team tackled this effort with unrelenting alacrity and optimism.

I’m so grateful to the many individuals and small businesses who donated money, to those who put up yard signs, wore masks, hosted meet-and-greets, took the time to study and understand the issues and possible solutions, and then phone-banked and knocked on doors.

I’m grateful for the words of encouragement from the strangers who didn’t know me, but supported our cause.

I’m grateful to the many community leaders and organizations that endorsed my campaign including the Democratic Party of Evanston and the Evanston Fire Fighters who provided boots-on-the-ground support, and to my family members and dear friends who stayed tightly connected to support my campaign every inch of the way, and particularly my brothers, Mike and Max, who provided their stellar expert artistic skills, and my sons, Nico and Gus, who canvased and constantly and enthusiastically checked in on the campaign.

And, most of all, I’m humbled and grateful to the voters of the First Ward…who put their trust in me to represent their voices in defining Evanston’s values…priorities…investments…and future.

Every vote, every ounce of support was indispensable in this campaign.

I couldn’t be prouder to represent our community.

I’m so excited about what’s ahead, I’m honored to have had all your support, and I’m eager to get to work.

Thank you!