Rojas-Banda Files Petition To Challenge Tabares In 23rd Ward Race

Leonardo Rojas-Banda and Silvana Tabares filed nominating petitions for the 23rd Ward aldermanic seat this week, according to records from the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. The filings set the stage for a February contest in the Southwest Side ward.

Tabares has held the ward seat since her 2018 appointment. She previously served five years in the Illinois House before joining the City Council. She won her first election in 2019 and secured reelection in 2023.

Rojas-Banda is an attorney and community organizer who grew up in West Lawn. He graduated from Hubbard High School in 2016. His professional background includes work in Governor JB Pritzker’s office, where he served as a Freedom of Information Act officer and later as assistant general counsel. He also worked for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, assisting residents with SNAP and Medicaid applications. He currently chairs the Civic Empowerment pillar at the Southwest Action Network.

The candidate launched his campaign in August. He cited federal immigration enforcement in the neighborhood as a key factor in his decision to run. His platform includes using the ward office to help immigrant families access legal resources and locate detained relatives. He also proposed improved responses to local issues such as flooding, sidewalk repairs, and garbage can replacements.

Tabares said-Herald that her office distributes Know Your Rights materials and connects residents with immigration resources. She said she has spoken out against immigration raids and advocated for immigrant protections.

The Board of Elections is scheduled to certify the ballot on December 17. The municipal election will be held on February 23.