Byron Sigcho-Lopez
Byron Sigcho-Lopez (born July 7, 1983) is a Chicago politician and community activist. He is the alderman of Chicago's 25th ward, having taken office as a member of the Chicago City Council in May 2019. He won an open race to succeed outgoing alderman Danny Solis in the 2019 Chicago aldermanic election.[2][3] He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.[4] He is running for 25th Ward Democratic Committeeperson in 2020.
Byron Sigcho-Lopez | |
---|---|
Member of the Chicago City Council from the 25th ward | |
Assumed office May 20, 2019 | |
Preceded by | Danny Solis |
Personal details | |
Born | Ecuador[1] | July 7, 1983
Political party | Democratic |
Education | Cumberland University (BA) University of Illinois, Chicago (MA) |
Early life and education
Sigcho-Lopez earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Mathematics from Cumberland University in Tennessee, and a Master's in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is currently completing his PhD in Policy Studies in Urban Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Political career
Sigcho-Lopez unsuccessfully challenged Danny Solis in the 2015 Chicago 25th Ward aldermanic election.
In 2019, Sigcho-Lopez was elected to succeed outgoing 25th Ward alderman Danny Solis.
On April 10, 2019, prior to being sworn-in, Sigcho-Lopez joined six other newly elected members of the City Council in protesting against the approval of tax increment financing for the Lincoln Yards and The 78 real estate developments.[5]
Sigcho-Lopez assumed office May 20, 2019.
On June 12, 2019, Sigcho-Lopez demanded a review of all permits and licenses approved by disgraced former Alderman Danny Solis.[6]
In November 2019, Sigcho-Lopez was one of eleven aldermen to vote against Mayor Lori Lightfoot's first budget.[7] He joined all five other members of the Socialist Caucus in signing a letter to Lightfoot which criticized her budget for "an over-reliance on property taxes" and "regressive funding models" that are "burdensome to our working-class citizens, while giving the wealthy and large corporations a pass."[8]
See also
- List of Chicago aldermen since 1923
- List of Democratic Socialists of America who have held office in the United States
References
- https://southsideweekly.com/meet-challengers-byron-sigcho-lopez-25th-ward/
- Zamudio, Maria Ines. "Byron Sigcho-Lopez To Replace Ald. Danny Solis In Chinatown, Pilsen". WBEZ. Retrieved 2019-04-04.
- Peña, Mauricio (2019-04-02). "Fierce Solis Critic Byron Sigcho Lopez Wins Seat To Become 25th Ward's First New Alderman In Two Decades". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 2019-04-04.
- "Socialists Surge to Victories in Chicago City Council". CBS Chicago. 2019-04-03.
- Spielman, Fran (April 10, 2019). "City Council OKs $1.6 billion in subsidies for Lincoln Yards, 'The 78'". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on April 10, 2019. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
Joining the protesters were seven newly-elected progressive aldermen: Daniel La Spata (1st); Mike Rodriguez (22nd); Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th); Andre Vasquez (40th); Matt Martin (47th) and Maria Hadden (49th).
- Spielman, Fran (2019-06-12). "Solis replacement demands review of permits and licenses approved by disgraced alderman". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2019-07-22.
- Spielman, Fran (26 November 2019). "City Council approves Lightfoot's $11.6 billion budget — with 11 'no' votes". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
- Bremer, Shelby (26 November 2019). "Chicago City Council Passes Lightfoot's Budget Proposal". NBC Chicago. Retrieved 2 February 2020.