| Jeylú Gutiérrez | |
| Office: | Member of the Chicago City Council from the 14th ward |
| Term Start: | May 15, 2023 |
| Predecessor: | Edward M. Burke |
| Birth Place: | Mexico |
| Party: | Democratic |
| Education: | University of the Valley of Mexico (AA) Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (BA) National Louis University (BA) |
Jeylú Gutiérrez (born 1987/1988)[1] is an American politician from Chicago. She is the alderperson for Chicago City Council's 14th ward. She won the 2023 election to the office, replacing 54-year incumbent Ed Burke.[2] The 14th ward includes parts of the Archer Heights and Gage Park neighborhoods.
Gutiérrez was born in Mexico, and immigrated to Chicago when she was 15 years old.[3] She worked as a counselor and community liaison for public schools, including Benito Juarez High School in Pilsen and Hernandez Middle School in Gage Park. Her interest in politics began as a volunteer in Chuy García's campaign for mayor in 2015.[4] She later worked as a district director for Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya.[5]
In September 2022, Gutiérrez announced her campaign for alderperson of the 14th ward, along with an endorsement from U.S. Representative Chuy García.[6] [7] The 14th ward seat had been held since 1969 by Ed Burke, who had been indicted in 2019 and was awaiting trial for corruption and racketeering charges.[8] [9] Redistricting following the 2020 Census changed the boundaries of the 14th ward such that its Latino majority grew and some majority-white precincts that had heavily favored Burke were removed. In November, Burke announced that he would not seek re-election.[10] [11] After Burke's exit, Gutiérrez faced Raúl Reyes, a staff assistant in the City Clerk's office who had ties to Burke.[12] [13] Gutiérrez received endorsements and contributions from state senator Celina Villaneuva, state representative Aaron Ortiz, and the SEIU Illinois Council PAC. In the February 2023 election, Gutiérrez won with over 65% of the vote.[14]