Chicago Mayoral, Suburban Candidates To Appear At AADC Forum

BRIDGEVIEW, IL — Candidates and south suburban Democrats will gather this Sunday, Feb. 12, for the Arab American Democratic Club brunch and candidate forum. The brunch, featuring several of the candidates running for Chicago mayor and many local candidates running in the Chicago suburbs, starts at 10 a.m. at Niko’s Banquets, 7600 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview.

The AADC’s mission is to support the best qualified candidates for election to public office and to serve as a forum for all Democratic candidates. The community forums have attracted candidates and elected officials from every level of government including U.S. senators, governors, congress members, legislators, county and municipal offices. The forum will be streamed live on the AADC Facebook page.

Confirmed for Sunday include Chicago mayoral candidates Willie Wilson, Paul Vallas, Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Roderick Sawyer and Brandon Johnson.

Organizers said that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was also invited, but that if she attends she will be confronted about her policies targeting and closing small Arab businesses that took place in the summer of 2020 and fall of 2021.

The AADC brunch and forum will feature several Arab American speakers, including Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Basta and State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, and will be co-emcee’d by columnist and media consultant Ray Hanania and attorney Khaled El-Khatib.

“We have many candidates especially from Palos Township, Orland Township and regions from throughout the six County suburban region who will be speaking,” Khalil said. “We want them to see the growing strength of Arab American voters.”

Arab American candidates also expected to address the gathering including Suzan Atallah, who is running for a seat on the Palos Park School District 118 board, and Mohammed Jaber who is running uncontested for a seat on the District 230 high school board.

Tickets for the event are $50 each and can be purchased online right up until the day of the event by visiting the Arab American Democratic Club. Candidates wishing to advertise on the site can also purchase ads on the club’s website.Local candidates, who wish to be introduced, can buy a ticket and show up to the event. However, candidates who purchased ads will be given priority. Candidates can also give Ray Hanania a heads-up if they’re coming by emailing rghanania@gmail.com.