18th District

Brad Kessler

Hi, I’m Brad! My wife, Hayley, and I were born and raised in the city of Chicago, and we could not imagine raising our two young children anywhere else. Tragically, throughout Chicago, we have all witnessed crimes first-hand on our blocks, within stores, or while riding the CTA. There are several reasons driving this increase in crime and our police are too under-resourced and under-staffed to effectively respond.

I have devoted my career to supporting our city’s youth and promoting safety.

After graduating from Northwestern Law School in 2009, I led CPS’ anti-violence task force, developing and launching initiatives like Safe Passage.

As an elected representative on the Local School Council for Lincoln Park High School, I focus mainly on the school’s safety strategy and provide leadership on the school’s budget.

Currently (and for the past 7 years), I co-lead a locally-headquartered education business, Academic Approach. We proudly work to support educational opportunities for schools and students from all socio-economic backgrounds across Chicago.

Chicago must invest strategically—in education, in social services, and in our police force—to effectively prevent and combat crimes. Families can flourish in a safer Chicago, where we create consistent schedules and beats for our officers, employ more effective training around mental health, domestic crimes, and homelessness, further develop social supports, and prioritize and improve the partnerships between CPD, CTA, CPS, and other organizations.

I humbly ask for voters’ support as I continue to work towards increasing safety in the 18th district. 

Website

Endorsements: State Representative Margaret Croke, 42nd Ward Alderman Reilly, 27th Ward Alderman Burnett, Former 43rd Ward Alderman Vi Daley, 43rd Ward Democratic Committeeman Lucy Moog