Meet Alderman Ronnie Mosley of Chicago’s 21st Ward

Alderman Ronnie L. Mosley Alderman of the 21st Ward—Chicago’s largest ward—and at just 35 is the youngest elected member of the council. A native son of the area he now represents, Alderman Mosley brings both a deep personal connection and a wealth of experience in policy organizing and civic engagement to City Hall.

During his run for the Alderman seat, Mosley received the coveted endorsement from Governor JB Pritzker. Pritzker’s support came amid a significant surge in endorsements and ward support for Mosley, who has received the stamp of approval from labor and organizing groups such as the Chicago Teachers Union, Chicago Federation of Labor, Citizen Action Illinois, Run For Something, SEIU Illinois and SEIU Locals 1 and 73

A lifelong resident of the Southside and seasoned organizer, Mosley has more than 17 years of experience working on issues such as gun violence prevention, cannabis legalization, education reform, youth health, voting rights, and entrepreneurship. In 2017, he co-founded Homegrown Strategy Group, a policy and organizing firm. He was also elected to the Local School Councils of Simeon Career Academy and Wendell Green Elementary, and serves on the boards of Mikva Challenge and March For Our Lives.

“My village—made up of Southsiders and Simeon Wolverines—chose to pour into me and my future. That’s why I work everyday to repay what has been given to me,” said Mosley. “Whether I am fighting for cannabis legalization centered in equity or coordinating successful campaigns to win workers’ rights, I always care about people of the 21st Ward and the issues that matter to them.”

Mosley is focused on everything from street lights and trash pick up to a vibrant retail district and smart violence prevention. Having tragically lost close friends to gun violence, Mosley founded one of the largest violence prevention programs in the country. As alderman, Mosley would use his experience to work with churches and faith-based groups to fight crime and provide youth services so kids can live out their dreams. 

“Serving as alderman requires a visceral connection to the day-to-day lives of people, coupled with an intense duty to serve them and their needs,” said Alderman Bookins in his endorsement of Mosley. “I walked in my fathers shoes, and now it’s time to let the new generation of leaders walk in mine. I know Ronnie Mosley can do the hard work required to provide greater economic opportunity and prosperity for our people.”

Father Michael Pfleger, a childhood mentor for Mosley, has worked with the activist on violence prevention in the community. “I believe in Ronnie’s commitment to the 21st Ward and his ability to get things done because I have seen it, in action, time and time again,” said Pfleger. “His heart is in the right place and he fundamentally values the notion of shared leadership with the people he seeks to serve.”

His journey in public service began at just 14 years old, when he interned with a community development organization serving the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Since then, he has worked across every level of government, building coalitions between residents and decision-makers to expand opportunity and improve quality of life. Becoming an alderman has allowed him to dedicate himself full-time to the community that raised him.

Alderman Mosley’s vision for the 21st Ward centers on community-led strategies that drive systemic change and lasting progress. He serves as Vice-Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Economic, Capital & Technology Development and sits on several other key committees, including Budget & Government Operations; Finance; and Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards.

Outside of his official duties, Alderman Mosley is married to his college sweetheart and is a proud paw-rent to their Goldendoodle. A devoted son and brother, he remains grounded in family and unwavering in his commitment to building a thriving 21st Ward.