Chicago City Wire

Democratic Socialist Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa resigned from his roles as Mayor Brandon Johnson's floor leader and chairman of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards following accusations of harassing Alderwoman Emma Mitts during a turbulent special City Council meeting last week. 

Ramirez-Rosa was accused of physically and verbally harassing Ald. Mitts in an attempt to prevent her from participating in a special meeting called to consider a proposal to place a referendum on the April ballot asking voters whether Chicago should remain a sanctuary city.

The City Council Black Caucus and Ald. Ray Lopez both called for Ramirez-Rosa's resignation.

“Of all his theatrics & antics witnessed today, I am thoroughly disgusted & infuriated by @ChicagosMayor Floor Leader @CDRosa harassing & manhandling my colleague from the West Side, Ald. Emma Mitts,” Lopez said on X.

Black Caucus members described Ramirez-Rosa's conduct toward Mitts as "an unfortunate and direct reminder of the decades of challenges that African-American women serving in City Council have had to overcome in our combined efforts to enhance the upward mobility of our collective communities.”

Five Latino aldermen, among them Lopez, also demanded Ramirez-Rosa's resignation. In an open letter, they threatened to initiate proceedings to expel Ramirez-Rosa from the City Council if Mayor Johnson was "unwilling to hold the head of his leadership team accountable".

On Mon., Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that Ramirez-Rosa had agreed to resign as floor leader and committee chairman. 

“Alderwoman Mitts is a venerable leader and woman of abiding faith, who is committed to public service and the principles of accountability and mercy. Alderman Ramirez-Rosa has acknowledged his transgressions, apologized to his colleagues and committed himself to rebuilding trust," the mayor said.

"It is not lost on me that Thursday’s events occurred during a time of heightened tension at City Hall. In recent months, the forces of division have preyed on our city, pitting us against each other in the most destructive ways. I am confident we will find a way to move forward and regain the trust and respect necessary to have a functioning legislative body. Let us all recommit ourselves to the principles of respect and civility upon which our work and our democracy depend. Together, we can and will build a better, stronger, safer Chicago for all.”

Ramirez-Rosa released a statement on Mon., expressing remorse for his behavior: 

"Much has been reported about last week's incidents at a special meeting of the Chicago City Council. Tensions were high at a chaotic meeting, and I let that get the best of me, leading me to act in a way unbecoming of a leader. I sincerely apologize to my colleague, Alderwoman Emma Mitts, for the disrespectful interaction outside of Council Chambers. I also apologize to other colleagues who I have heard also felt disrespected and harmed by my actions - Alderpeople Lee, Cardona, and Taliaferro.

"I feel awful about everything that happened. I have reached out to my colleagues to apologize directly and seek to make amends. I made mistakes, and I learned valuable lessons. I take full responsibility for what I've done.

"Our Chicago City Council does important work and, even when we strongly disagree on policy or approach, it is critical that we show each other respect. The people of Chicago deserve nothing less and have every right to demand that of us.

"Because the position of Floor Leader especially requires the confidence of our colleagues, and because through my actions I lost that confidence, I have informed the mayor that I will be stepping down from that position. Furthermore, I am resigning as Chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards effective December 1st, to allow time for an effective transition.

"I cannot take away the mistakes I made last week. But I hope to be able to rebuild the trust we have in each other as we move forward as a Council that addresses the important issues impacting Chicago."