During a fast and fiery city hall-style caucus Tuesday evening, state Sen. Napoleon Harris acquired the Democratic nomination for Thornton Township supervisor within the April 2025 election, blocking incumbent supervisor Tiffany Henyard from the runoff.
Harris, the Thornton Township Democrats committee member who organized the caucus, was named as a part of a slate of council candidates that features trustee Christopher Gonzalez and organizer Mary Avent, each outspoken critics of Henyard.
Hundreds of individuals lined up hours upfront for the caucus on the Homewood-Flossmoor Park district auditorium, with many latecomers left ready outdoors when the caucus started. Just a couple of minutes later, Harris’ nomination, regardless of protests from Henyard herself, was supported and authorised by a refrain of “Yes” that rang out from township residents each on the auditorium ground and on the risers.
Henyard refused to reply reporters’ questions as soon as the assembly adjourned, shortly exiting the constructing and leaping right into a black SUV. However, Keith Price, the municipality’s meals program supervisor, who works intently with Henyard, mentioned the method was unlawful and could be challenged in courtroom.
“They continued with the vote with out all these folks being invited,” Price mentioned, pointing to the greater than 100 folks lined up outdoors. “This is a fraud.”
Price mentioned those that have been capable of attend the caucus weren’t correctly vetted to make sure they have been township residents, a requirement to vote. Inside the constructing, Harris confirmed his candidacy for township supervisor, however wouldn’t touch upon potential challenges to the way in which he was appointed.
As of now, Harris can be amongst 5 supervisor candidates on the April 1 poll, dealing with Republican Richard Nolan, Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark and his Reform Thornton Township Party, and impartial candidates Nate Fields, Jr., Stafford Owens and Sidney Moore.
Henyard, appointed supervisor in 2021 after the dying of former longtime supervisor Frank Zuccarelli, can also be mayor of Dolton and is underneath federal investigation in each roles. It has drawn sturdy opposition from these in and out of doors Thornton Township amid spending considerations and controversial appointments and firings inside its administrations.
Unlike Thornton Township, Dolton will maintain a major in February that may decide whether or not Henyard or village trustee Jason House turns into the Democratic candidate for mayor. Price mentioned Tuesday evening that he believes Henyard’s status amongst township residents might nonetheless win her re-election to supervisor as a write-in candidate.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
Originally printed:
