In a press release, Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced that she appointed Ald. Michelle Harris (8th Ward) as her new floor leader, as well as Ald. George Cardenas (12th Ward) in the new position of deputy floor leader.
This followed a decision that Ald. Gilbert Villegas's (36th Ward) would step down from the role.
Harris has served in Chicago's City Council since 2006 and represents several of Chicago's South Side communities, including South Shore, Chatham, Calumet Heights, Burnside, Pullman, Avalon Park and South Chicago. She also serves as Chairman of the City Council Committee on Committees and Rules.
Cardenas was first elected to the City Council in 2003, representing Chicago's Southwest Side communities, and currently serves as Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy, and Vice Chairman of the new Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
The Chicago Tribune noted that Villegaswho represents the 36th Ward on the Northwest Sidesaid he submitted his resignation in December but stayed on for another month to "ease the transition."