Chicago City Wire

First came Ellen Burke, a former prosecutor who challenged the established political machine and won the Cook County State’s Attorney position. Her victory was a significant shift against Toni Preckwinkle's long-standing control over the county's Democratic apparatus.

Now, Brendan Reilly, an alderman with Irish roots and a reformist approach similar to Burke's, is considering challenging Preckwinkle for the role of Cook County Board President. This potential candidacy marks a significant challenge to Preckwinkle, who has held her position for nearly 15 years and is seeking a fifth term.

“There’s a mood for change,” Reilly told NBC Chicago. He argues that voters deserve more than what he perceives as Preckwinkle's outdated leadership. Reilly highlights that his challenge is not just about policy but about offering voters real choices beyond "a rubber stamp or a coronation."

Reilly represents Chicago’s 42nd Ward, which includes key areas like Downtown and River North. He has been in office since 2007 after defeating Burton Natarus, known for his traditional ward boss style. Reilly aims to bring practical solutions to the table rather than ideological stances.

Under Preckwinkle’s tenure, policies like those backed by former State’s Attorney Kim Foxx have faced criticism for being too lenient on crime. “Boss Toni” continues to support these policies despite rising crime rates and public dissatisfaction.

Reilly believes there is room for change within the Democratic framework of Cook County without veering towards Republican ideologies. His candidacy could potentially reshape how public safety and justice are handled in Chicago due to the significant influence of the Cook County Board President over these areas.

Supporters from various sectors, including business leaders and suburban mayors, see Preckwinkle's extended tenure as increasingly problematic ahead of 2026 elections. They point out issues such as Foxx's prosecution system collapse and other political missteps under her leadership.

Despite these challenges, Preckwinkle retains substantial control over party mechanisms and campaign financing. However, recent political cycles have shown vulnerabilities in her influence, particularly among younger progressives and traditional liberals.

Reilly plans to run as a Democrat if he decides to enter the race officially. His independent stance within his ward has earned him diverse support across different city areas. If successful in navigating party dynamics and voter expectations, Reilly could offer an alternative focused on competence rather than ideology.