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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nate Cornell Launches Campaign for Alderman of Chicago's 27th Ward

Backed by longtime residents, Cornell is building a grassroots campaign to challenge three decades of political family control and shape the future of the 27th Ward

CHICAGO, IL (AUGUST 18, 2026) - Today, Near West Side resident and community leader Nate Cornell is announcing his candidacy for Alderman of Chicago's 27th Ward. As billions of dollars in new investment seek to reshape neighborhoods across the ward, this moment calls for a new kind of leadership, one that gives residents a seat at the table to decide their community's future.

“People are feeling let down, discouraged and skeptical of the institutions they once relied on. At this moment, local government has a responsibility to earn back trust, remove barriers and help communities create a better future,” Cornell said. “I'm building a campaign that reflects the kind of leadership this community deserves, one that listens before leading, brings people together, and makes sure the next chapter of the 27th Ward is shaped by the people who call it home.”

A first-generation college graduate, Cornell began his career helping financially struggling hospitals remain open. In 2018, he joined a congressional campaign in New Jersey as finance director and deputy campaign manager, helping lead the closest congressional race that district had seen in four decades. After the campaign, Cornell then joined Deloitte's Government and Public Services practice, where he spent the last seven years helping state and local government leaders modernize public services for vulnerable communities.

An active member of his community, Cornell has volunteered with Breakthrough Urban Ministries in East Garfield Park since 2021, coaching youth soccer and basketball, serving on its Finance Committee, and mentoring high school young men. He is an active member of Homeowners West (HOW) United, the Near West Side neighborhood association and for three consecutive years, he has partnered with Together Chicago to host a back-to-school block party for Near West Side families.

Based on those experiences, Cornell's initial campaign philosophy is built around four pillars:

  1. Development That Delivers For Residents: Requiring that neighborhood development delivers jobs and community benefits for residents.
  2. Safer Neighborhoods Through Prevention and Policing: Expanding violence prevention alongside effective community policing.
  3. Real Opportunity for Young People: Creating a physical Ward Youth Office to connect families and young people to jobs and mentorship opportunities, generated by development happening in their ward.
  4. A Modern Ward Office: Building a 21st century ward office that responds to constituents' calls, tracks requests, and navigates bureaucracy on behalf of residents, operating like it's 2026, not 1996.

As a first step, Cornell is gathering thousands of signatures to get on the ballot in February 2027. Residents interested in supporting the petition process are encouraged to contact info@natecornell27.com. To learn more about Nate Cornell, the campaign and his platform, please visit natecornell27.com and follow @natecornell27 on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for the latest news.

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For press inquiries, press@natecornell27.com