MEET IAN

Ian Watkins is a community-first leader who has built his career organizing with people, not above them, turning grassroots power into real, lasting results. A classically trained pianist and retired ballet dancer, he developed a deep appreciation for rigor, expression, and the power of culture to shape community. Before entering public service, he worked at every level of the food and beverage industry. This gave him firsthand insight into the dignity of labor and the realities faced by working-class families across Chicago.

A VOTE FOR IAN WATKINS IS A VOTE FOR THE PEOPLE!

I’m running because our ward deserves leadership that is present, accessible, experienced, and rooted in community, not another career politician disconnected from the realities families face every day.

For too long, people in the 25th Ward have felt unheard while working families, immigrants, renters, small businesses, artists, students, and longtime residents continue fighting just to stay afloat in the neighborhoods they helped build.

That ends now.

I am proud to be the only candidate pledging to donate 10% of my aldermanic salary into a private 25th Ward trust dedicated to helping provide legal aid and emergency support for undocumented families and community members living in fear of ICE.

Because protecting one another is not radical. It is our responsibility.

No family should live in fear of being separated. No child should wonder if their parents will make it home. We cannot call ourselves a community if we abandon our neighbors during moments of fear and uncertainty.

This campaign is about rebuilding the humanity we’ve been pulled away from.

WHAT THIS CAMPAIGN STANDS FOR

• Protecting undocumented families and immigrant communities
• Investing in small businesses and neighborhood corridors
• Expanding access to healthcare and free community clinics
• Supporting arts, after-school programs, and youth opportunity
• Fighting displacement and protecting renters
• Building safer, cleaner, greener neighborhoods
• Making local government accessible and accountable again

THE STATUS QUO IS NOT SERVING US.

The 25th Ward deserves leadership with skin in the game. Leadership that listens. Leadership that shows up. Leadership that understands government,  but never forgets the people it is supposed to serve.

This campaign is powered by neighbors. Workers. Families. Students. Dreamers. Small business owners. Artists. Organizers.

People who still believe community matters.

Together, we can build a ward rooted in dignity, safety, opportunity, and compassion.