WFLD

Chicago Ald. Matt O'Shea announced he will not seek a fifth term representing the 19th Ward, which covers the Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood neighborhoods. First elected in 2011 after working for his predecessor, former Ald. Virginia Rugai, O'Shea cited a desire to make way for a new generation of leadership. He pointed to work on local schools, parks and city budgets, including last year's, as highlights of his tenure, and said he intends to keep working on this year's budget before leaving office.

O'Shea endorsed his chief of staff, Erin Ross, as his preferred successor, praising her integrity and community ties. Ross, who has held the chief of staff role for three years and grew up near O'Shea, acknowledged the race is not guaranteed and said she plans to campaign actively, with a formal campaign announcement expected soon. The open seat sets up a notable race in a ward long associated with O'Shea's support for first responders and neighborhood development.