5 Challengers Join Ald. Derrick Curtis In 18th Ward Race

ASHBURN — The ballot for Chicago’s 18th Ward race could be crowded when residents cast their vote in February. Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th) is running for reelection to his fourth term as alderperson but faces five challengers: Joshua Barksdale, Nicole Allison, Artemiza “Tammy” Chavez, Glenford Flowers Jr. and Toni C. Galloway. The 18th Ward includes parts of Ashburn, Scottsdale, Parkview, Marycrest, Wrightwood and Beverly View. Curtis has won each of his previous elections with over 60 percent of the vote since defeating former Ald. Lona Lane in a runoff in 2015 . Prior to his time in office, Curtis was a ward superintendent and a Democratic committeeman. He has spent considerable time in his last two terms working on the future of Ford City Mall, which closed this year due to deteriorating conditions. The former mall now awaits demolition and redevelopment into a warehouse campus , but it has become a public safety issue due to break-ins and criminal activity in the meantime. Curtis supported the mall’s redevelopment into a warehouse facility, a plan that was opposed by some neighbors. His challengers have also criticized his handling of the mall property. The 18th Ward alderman has also been in the news for a pair of accidental shootings: one that caused a wrist injury after he accidentally shot himself while cleaning a gun in 2022 and another accident where his daughter was accidentally shot in the leg during a concealed carry class he was teaching in early 2023 . All five of Curtis’ challengers are facing objections to their nominating petitions that could remove them from the ballot. The objections were filed by Nelson Garcia and Donald Kimball, according to the Chicago Board of Elections . Petition challenges will be considered by hearing officers through the elections board, which will then issue decisions in each case later this year. The Board of Elections is scheduled to certify the ballot Dec. 17. The election is Feb. 23. Here is more on each of Curtis’ challengers. Joshua Barksdale Barksdale’s campaign focuses on safe neighborhoods, economic development, strong families and a cleaner community, according to his campaign Facebook page . In 2024, Barksdale founded 67 Social , a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth and development of minority communities in Chicago, specifically those impacted by gun violence, drug use and domestic violence. Artemiza ‘Tammy’ Chavez Chavez is a real estate agent, nonprofit board member and a member of Stevenson Elementary’s Local School Council, according to her campaign social media . A mother of three, Chavez said she has lived in Ashburn for 35-plus years and is running with a commitment to listening, transparency and the community. Chavez’s campaign has written social media posts in opposition of Curtis’ handling of the Ford City Mall rezoning and has urged neighbors to demand accountability through emails to the 18th Ward’s office and Mayor’s Office. Glenford Flowers Jr. Flowers is a lifelong Chicago resident and college student pursuing a degree in political science, according to his campaign website . A top priority for Flowers is revitalizing the Ford City area into a mixed-use destination that creates jobs, attracts investment, expands public amenities and serves as a catalyst for economic development on the South Side. Flowers has also raised concerns about Curtis’ handling of Ford City Mall and has advocated against City Council’s approval of an industrial campus on the site. Flower’s platform focuses on auditing the ward, making ward budget spending more transparent, fixing local transportation infrastructure and giving residents more control over local infrastructure spending. Toni C. Galloway Galloway’s platform focuses on improving public safety, supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, improving infrastructure and boosting community services, according to a post on social media . She is a longtime 18th Ward resident who works as an administrative assistant at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, according to her LinkedIn profile . Nicole Allison Allison, who lives in Auburn Gresham, has submitted petitions to run in the 18th Ward race. No campaign website or social media page for her campaign could be found at this time. ______________________________________________________________________ Support Local News! Subscribe to Block Club Chicago , an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods. Already subscribe? Click here to gift a subscription , or you can support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation. Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast: Are Illinois Republicans An Endangered Species After The Blue Tsunami? Episode play icon Are Illinois Republicans An Endangered Species After The Blue Tsunami? 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