Darlene Murray-Cannon, who lost to Peter Braithwaite by just 71 votes in 2021, wants to replace Braithwaite when he steps down from Evanston’s City Council later this month.
In a Facebook post, Murray-Cannon said she is “formally asking” Mayor Daniel Biss to appoint her to the 2nd Ward alder position.
Murray-Cannon is the first to publicly declare so far, but will likely not be the last.
Earlier this year, seven people threw their hats in the ring when Ald. Cicely Fleming (9th) resigned, including Juan Geracaris, who was then chosen by the mayor to fill the vacancy.
Biss first held a community forum where the candidates answered questions before making his selection. There’s no word yet on whether that same process will be followed this time, but it seems logical to expect it.
In applying for the Braithwaite slot, Murray-Cannon said if appointed she would “prioritize affordability, public safety and small business ownership while increasing government transparency and community participation.”
Murray-Cannon is a board member of the Democratic Party of Evanston and an appointed member of the city’s Equity and Empowerment Commission.
Braithwaite is stepping down for personal reasons after serving as the 2nd Ward council member since 2011.
Braithwaite was originally appointed to replace Lionel Jean-Baptiste, who left to take a judgeship.
This Sunday at 3 p.m., Jean-Baptiste, who is still on the bench, will be recognized with an honorary street naming at the corner of McDaniel Avenue and Crain Street.