MEET IAN
Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about showing up, doing the work, and standing beside people when it matters most.My life has been shaped by service, creativity, and community. Whether representing globally recognized artists, writing speeches in Congress, organizing alongside neighbors, or now running for Alderman, I’ve always believed the greatest measure of success is how many lives you help improve.Before entering public service, I built a career in entertainment public relations, representing internationally acclaimed artists, festivals, and cultural institutions. As a classically trained pianist, former ballet dancer, and lifelong painter, I’ve experienced firsthand how the arts bring people together, foster empathy, and strengthen communities. Those experiences taught me that every great movement; like every great performance; requires discipline, collaboration, and a shared vision.I later dedicated my career to public service as a speechwriter for members of Congress, communications strategist, and community organizer, helping advance policies that expanded opportunity, protected civil rights, strengthened neighborhoods, and invested in working families. It reinforced a belief I carry with me every day: government should listen first, lead with integrity, and be judged by what it delivers—not by what it promises.For years, I’ve stood alongside communities advocating for affordable housing, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ equality, environmental justice, food security, and safer neighborhoods. Long before I ever sought public office, I believed leadership meant being present—especially when it’s difficult.More than a decade ago, I found my home in the 25th Ward. I was welcomed by neighbors who became family, and that kindness changed my life. Today, I see this campaign as an opportunity to return that same investment by serving the community that has given me so much.As the son and husband of educators, I was raised to believe education, opportunity, and public service can transform lives. I’m equally proud of my Quapaw Indigenous, Haitian, Irish, Creole, and Moroccan heritage, which instilled in me resilience, compassion, and a profound respect for the diversity that makes our neighborhoods stronger.As a proud Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ leader, I know that too many people still feel unseen by the systems meant to serve them. That’s why I’m committed to building a 25th Ward where every resident; regardless of race, income, age, identity, ability, or immigration status; has the opportunity not just to live here, but to thrive.I’m running for Alderman because I believe the 25th Ward deserves leadership rooted in service, accountability, and hope. Together, we can build safer streets, more affordable housing, thriving local businesses, cleaner parks, stronger schools, and a government that works for people; not politics.“EVERY FAMILY DESERVES TO FEEL SEEN, HEARD, AND SAFE.”
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.