Mayor Johnson appoints son of former Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. to replace him

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The alderman of Chicago's 27th Ward has now been replaced by his own son after an appointment from Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Walter Burnett Jr., who was previously the longest-serving current member on the Chicago City Council, announced his retirement earlier this year.

Burnett Jr. had voiced his desire to have his son, Walter Redmond Burnett III, to be appointed to replace him. Mayor Johnson approved and appointed the pick for the new 27th Ward alderman on Friday.

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"The 27th Ward deserves a leader who is well-attuned to the challenges we face as we continue to grow and strengthen our communities," Mayor Johnson said in a statement. "Red embodies the values, resilience, and vision of the 27th Ward. With his long-standing commitment to public service, equity, and young people, I have no doubt he will be a dedicated and effective advocate of his community. I want to thank the 27th Ward Selection Committee for their recommendation and all of the candidates who answered the call by putting their names forward to serve."

"I am honored to have received this appointment. The opportunity to serve the 27th Ward is an immense privilege that I do not take lightly," Walter "Red" Burnett III said in a statement. "Throughout my professional journey I've maintained a steadfast commitment to community advancement-working alongside civic leaders, private sector partners, and grassroots organizations to deliver projects that generate lasting impact and serve the public good. This foundation informs my continued commitment to ensuring our neighborhoods remain vibrant, inclusive, and positioned for sustainable success."

After three decades as an alderman, Burnett Jr. left office on the third floor at City Hall in July. He was first elected alderman in 1995. He retired with hopes of being appointed to head the Chicago Housing Authority.

"So my younger son, is very known in the community, known by all my community organizations, everybody I work with, you know, and he has the temperament, he has the work ethics," Burnett Jr. said of Burnett III.

Some critics had said this could be another example of "The Chicago Way."

Chicago politicians have been using clout to get family or friends appointed or hired to positions in city government for as long as anyone can remember. It raises the question: are voters getting the best representation possible?

Former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed Carrie Austin to City Council to replace her husband after he passed away. Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed Deb Mell to replace her retiring father. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Monique Scott to replace her brother when he took a job in the private sector.

"Look at the people in the media who kids grow up and do what they parents do," Burnett Jr. said. "Look at look at pastor kids. Look most pastors are second generation pastors. Look at corporations. It's natural."

State law allows mayors to appoint replacements when a council member leaves office with less than 28 months left in their term, but that practice leaves questions about voter input.

Voters will still have a say in the 2027 election. Mayor Johnson's appointment of Burnett III gives him the distinct advantage as the incumbent.