José “Che-Che” Wilson Launches Campaign for Cook County Commissioner, 12th District
CHICAGO — José “Che-Che” Wilson, a lifelong resident of the 12th District and a seasoned public health and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, today launched his campaign for Cook County Commissioner in the 12th District.
For the last two decades, Che-Che has worked at the intersection of health equity, civic engagement, and public policy—connecting over 60,000 people to care through HIV testing, Affordable Care Act enrollment, and community health programs with organizations like CALOR, the CORE Center, and the Center on Halsted. He currently serves as Director of Civic Engagement at Equality Illinois, organizing communities statewide to protect LGBTQ+ rights and increase voter participation.
“I’m running to bring a fresh, independent voice to the County Board—one shaped by decades of working alongside people to get the care, rights, and resources they deserve,” said José “Che-Che” Wilson, Candidate for Cook County Commissioner, 12th District. “That work has taken me into neighborhoods all across our city and state, and I’ve seen firsthand what’s possible when our government is responsive and connected to the people it serves. Together, we can build a Cook County where every community has the chance to thrive.”
Born and raised in Wicker Park, Che-Che now owns a home on the same block where he grew up, living there with his husband, Sam. He serves on the Local School Council at Rudy Lozano Elementary. His personal and professional roots have given him a deep understanding of the diverse communities that make up the 12th District.
Che-Che’s decades in community health have also connected him with residents whose voices are often left out of government decision-making. Alderman Lamont Robinson (4th Ward) says that perspective is urgently needed:
“When we lost two LGBTQ+ voices on the County Board, we lost more than seats - we lost lived experience. For 20 years, Che-Che has been in the community, working with people who rely on our government to protect their basic human rights and ensure access to quality, equitable health care. He's heard their stories, fought alongside them and knows exactly what's at stake. More than ever, we need leaders on the County Board who share this perspective and bring this same level of knowledge and experience,” said Robinson.
That call for inclusive leadership is echoed by others who see Che-Che as a bridge between communities too often left out of county government, including Manuel Hernández, a Latinx LGBTQ+ community leader.
“Latinos are over a quarter of Cook County’s population, yet our voices are still missing at the decision-making tables, like the Board of Commissioners. LGBTQ+ representation has been just as absent, leaving too many of our communities unheard. Che-Che changes that. With more than 15 years serving our communities and a record of getting things done, he’s not just about representation, he delivers real results. This is our chance to put a leader in office who will fight for all of us. For these reasons I support Che-Che for Cook County Commissioner,” said Hernández.
At a time when the Trump administration is rolling back the rights of our neighbors, voices grounded in community experience are more important than ever. Former Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris, a longtime champion for equality and working families, said Che-Che’s candidacy brings that perspective to the County Board.
“I support Che-Che because of his longtime commitment to his neighborhood, his knowledge of schools and healthcare, and his effective advocacy for the LGBTQ community,” said Harris.
Che-Che’s campaign is backed by a diverse coalition of community leaders, including: Alderwoman Ruth Cruz (30th Ward); Alderman Lamont Robinson (4th Ward); Former House Majority Leader Greg Harris; Jamie Brown, Police District Council (1st District); Oswaldo Alvarez; Justin DeJong; Manuel Hernández; Channyn Lynne Parker; and Victor Ravago.
The 12th District covers communities on Chicago’s North and Northwest Sides. The Democratic primary will be held in March 2026.
Learn more at: votecheche.com
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