Press Release: PROGRESSIVE ATTORNEY AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZER PATRICK GILSENAN ANNOUNCES RUN FOR 32ND WARD ALDERPERSON WITH FULL SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE’S 32ND
Gilsenan Pledges Progressive, Independent Leadership to Fight Housing Displacement and Bring Participatory Democracy Directly to the 32nd Ward
CHICAGO, IL — Today, attorney, housing policy advocate, and community organizer Patrick Gilsenan officially announced his candidacy for 32nd Ward Alderperson in the February 2027 municipal election. Running on a vision of "Building Bridges, Delivering Change," Gilsenan’s campaign brings an optimistic, independent, and community-centered approach to tackling the ward’s most pressing challenges.
To celebrate the campaign's launch, neighbors, supporters, and members of the community are invited to the official Campaign Launch Party on Tuesday, July 7 at 6:00 PM at Beermiscuous (2812 N. Lincoln Ave).
Gilsenan's platform addresses the immediate need for proactive, progressive leadership. He pledges to refuse funding from corporate PACs and special interests.
A central pillar of his campaign is confronting the housing affordability crisis that is forcing working Chicagoans out of the 32nd ward.
“I was priced out of Bucktown myself as a renter before returning as a homeowner. I understand exactly how it feels to not be able to afford to stay in a neighborhood you love. That’s happening to working families every day in the 32nd ward,” said Gilsenan. “I’m running to stop Chicagoans from being pushed out of the neighborhood by supporting new development, affordable housing, renter protections, and expanding homelessness prevention initiatives. We can have a Chicago that works for everyone, but not while leaders answer to corporate interests instead of the people they represent.”
Gilsenan is pledging to invest in safe street infrastructure, expand alternative response and violence prevention services, and change how the 32nd Ward office serves the community. He’s promising to be a visible, accessible presence in the neighborhood, someone who builds genuine relationships with residents, businesses, and community groups. Gilsenan is committing to institute participatory budgeting, to give residents a direct vote on how ward funds are spent, and to hold monthly ward nights where residents can bring concerns directly to the alderperson and expect an answer.
“The 32nd Ward deserves an alderperson who is present, accessible, and willing to fight for residents who have been shut out of the decisions that shape our own neighborhoods,” said Jen DiFederico, a leader of The People’s 32nd. “Patrick Gilsenan understands that real public service starts with listening and showing up. From his work on the City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, to his housing advocacy, and his pro bono immigration law work, Patrick has spent his career fighting for people who need someone in their corner.”
“Our organization has been in the community for the past 3 years, helping elect progressive leaders to the State and County governments, and The People’s 32nd is proud to stand alongside Patrick Gilsenan for 32nd Ward Alderperson,” continued DiFederico. “He is exactly the kind of progressive community-driven leader the 32nd Ward deserves.”
To read Patrick Gilsenan’s full platform visit patrickfor32.com.
Event Details:
Patrick Gilsenan for 32nd Ward Alderperson Campaign Launch Party
Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM
Beermiscuous, 2812 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
RSVP: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/pgfor32kickoff
About Patrick Gilsenan
Patrick Gilsenan is a candidate for 32nd Ward Alderperson. He is a first-generation college graduate and financial regulatory attorney with a passion for pro bono immigration legal aid and housing policy. He brings experience working on the Chicago City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight and community organizing with The People’s 32nd to be the progressive leader the 32nd Ward needs. He is a homeowner in Bucktown where he lives with his partner Elizabeth and dogs Ty and Molly.
