For nearly two decades, nobody has managed to get their name on a ballot against 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly. That could finally change in February, as Deborah Lane has submitted her candidacy to challenge the downtown alderman in the city's 2027 municipal election.
Reilly has represented the ward, which includes Downtown and River North, since taking office in 2007, and according to Block Club Chicago, he has not faced an opponent in any reelection bid in all that time. If Lane's nominating petitions survive the objection process, she could become the first person to actually appear on the ballot against him since he first won the seat.
It would not be for lack of trying by others. Back in 2023, Reilly's only would-be opponent, Chris Cleary, dropped out of that race, assuring the alderman a fifth term. Cleary said at the time that his decision to withdraw came after a nearly two-hour meeting with Reilly about improving the ward, according to the same Block Club Chicago report. Reilly was far from alone in running unopposed that cycle — fellow Downtown and West Loop incumbents Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) and Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) also drew no challengers, as did Ald. David Moore (17th), Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) and Ald. Matt Martin (47th).
Who Is Deborah Lane?
Lane brings a background steeped in Chicago transit labor politics. She previously served as secretary-treasurer of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308, the union that the Amalgamated Transit Union identifies as the sole and exclusive bargaining agency for CTA employees. Separate figures describe Local 308's membership differently: the ATU's own account describes Locals 241 and 308 together as representing more than 9,000 members across the city, while other figures put Local 308's membership at more than 3,000 workers.
Lane also held the ATU's financial secretary position for Local 308, per the ATU's account of a 2023 visit by international president John Costa. According to her campaign website, she is running to ensure City Hall balances the 42nd Ward's identity as both an economic center and a neighborhood.
Reilly's Record at City Hall
Reilly worked with 29 other alderpeople to pass the 2026 city budget independently of the mayor. He also ran unsuccessfully for Cook County Board President and lost the 2026 Illinois Democratic primary to incumbent Toni Preckwinkle.
One issue that has repeatedly put Reilly at odds with City Hall is Bally's proposed casino complex in River West: Reilly has long opposed the selection of Bally's and the decision to build the casino complex there, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. That project has faced its own turbulence — Bally's said in September it has the financing to deliver a $1.7 billion casino and entertainment complex but had slowed construction of non-gaming elements, laying off 136 employees and halting work on roughly 12 percent of the project. The delays pushed the permanent casino's expected opening into 2027, though Bally's said it would still honor that timeline and made a $4 million annual lump-sum payment to the city as a sign of its commitment to the agreement.
What Comes Next in the Race
Both Reilly and Lane have formally submitted their candidacies for the 42nd Ward aldermanic election.
The 2027 municipal and aldermanic elections will determine whether Lane can unseat Reilly. Whether Lane's petitions withstand any objections — and whether she remains the alderman's lone challenger — remains to be seen.
