CHICAGO — Chicago Alderman Tom Tunney announced Tuesday he will retire from his position at the end of his term in May of 2023.

“I have always strived to do my best for the residents and businesses in the Lakeview
community and have been honored by the remarkable opportunity to serve the residents of the
44th Ward for almost twenty years,” said Alderman Tunney. “I am grateful for the trust they put
in me to help lead Lakeview forward in ways that benefited residents, businesses and visitors,
alike. I will continue to work tirelessly for the ward through my last day on the City Council. As I
look ahead, I see so many great ways in which I can continue to give back to the city I love.”

Tunney is the fifth alderman to announce his departure from Chicago City Council in the last few months.

He has led the 44th Ward since 2002 and is currently the vice mayor. Ald. Tunney has served under three mayors: Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emmanuel and now, Lori Lightfoot. His departure will complete a total turnover for representation on the North Side lakefront.

There is speculation he is considering to run for mayor in the upcoming election.

Tunney’s time serving on the city council has seen him make a series of accomplishments, including managing the preservation and redevelopment of Wrigley Field, securing funding to build the 19th District police station, and a $20 million renovation to Lakeview High School.

On top of his service on city council, Ald. Tunney has also owned Ann Sather Restaurants for the past 41 years.

Bennett Lawson—Tunney’s chief of staff since 2007—also announced Tuesday that he will run to take Tunney’s seat in the next election cycle. Lawson helped guide the development of multiple projects like the redevelopment of the town hall police station into LGBTQ senior housing, and the construction of the center on Halsted.