Openly-gay candidate James Cappleman wins Chicago's 46th ward
Wed. April 6, 2011 12:21 AM by Jay Shaff
alderman elect james cappleman
photo credit // www.jamesforchange.com
Cappleman becomes Chicago's second openly-gay alderman
Chicago, IL -
Openly gay aldermanic candidate James Cappleman has won the run off race for the 46th ward position, defeating challenger Molly Phelan.
With all precincts reporting, Cappleman won by a margin of 55 percent to 45 percent over Phelan, a property tax attorney.
Cappleman, a former teacher, licensed social worker and community activist, will now represent the Uptown district of Chicago replacing long time Alderman Helen Shiller who did not run for re-election after 24 years of service.
The 46th ward includes Uptown, part of Edgewater and Lakeview.
Cappleman's long-time partner of 18 years, Richard Thale, is chair of the 23rd Police District's Court Advocacy Committee and a CAPS facilitator for Beat 2312.
Cappleman will become the second openly-gay alderman for the City of Chicago, joining the 44th ward's Tom Tunney.
Cappleman received the endorsement of 48th ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith, the LGBT advocacy organizations Equality Illinois and Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, and a number of high-profile Democrats including Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Heather Steans and State Rep. Deb Mell.
With all precincts reporting, Cappleman won by a margin of 55 percent to 45 percent over Phelan, a property tax attorney.
Cappleman, a former teacher, licensed social worker and community activist, will now represent the Uptown district of Chicago replacing long time Alderman Helen Shiller who did not run for re-election after 24 years of service.
The 46th ward includes Uptown, part of Edgewater and Lakeview.
Cappleman's long-time partner of 18 years, Richard Thale, is chair of the 23rd Police District's Court Advocacy Committee and a CAPS facilitator for Beat 2312.
Cappleman will become the second openly-gay alderman for the City of Chicago, joining the 44th ward's Tom Tunney.
Cappleman received the endorsement of 48th ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith, the LGBT advocacy organizations Equality Illinois and Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, and a number of high-profile Democrats including Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Heather Steans and State Rep. Deb Mell.