RER: Why did you decide to run for Alderman?

All politics is local, and local politics is all relations. And relationships are how you build strong communities. It’s how we’re going to take care of each other and keep one another safe.

“Many of the candidates in this race have passionate ideas but that is not enough. You need deep roots in the ward like me, who has an investment in what happens and has been doing the work.”

"For the last seven years, activist Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth joined forces with Indivisible members throughout the state to battle Trump and Trumpism. Now she’s shifted her sights to the local front, running for alderwoman of the 48th ward. She explains her strategies, reasons, and aspirations."

From Joan Esposito’s introduction: ”One of the people who is in that [48th ward aldermanic] race is someone we have talked to before because she is an activist and she has been working for years to try to make our state liberal and progressive…”

Thanks so much to the Windy City Times for featuring Leni in this great write-up!

"With my years of experience creating and leading one of the strongest grassroots groups on the Northside, I've built coalitions that have prioritized civic engagement and participation in our political process," said Manaa-Hoppenworth in a statement.