Five Democrats vie for Cook County Board 6th District seat

Candidates focus on lowering property taxes and improving healthcare access in south suburbs

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Five Democratic candidates are running for the Cook County Board 6th District seat, which covers large sections of the south and southwest suburbs. The candidates, Sylvester Fulcher, Wesam Shahed, Patricia Joan 'Trish' Murphy, Antoine Bass, and Veronica Bolling-Franklin, all cite lowering property taxes and boosting healthcare accessibility as key priorities. The incumbent, Donna Miller, is not seeking re-election as she runs for the 2nd Congressional District.

Why it matters

The Cook County Board 6th District seat is an important position that represents a diverse and growing area of the south suburbs. The candidates' focus on property tax relief and healthcare access reflects key concerns for residents in the district, which has faced financial challenges in some municipalities. The election will shape the direction of the county board on these critical issues.

The details

The five Democratic candidates have a range of backgrounds and policy platforms, but all emphasize the need for property tax relief and improved healthcare services in the south suburbs. Sylvester Fulcher, a social worker, wants to better connect elected officials to spur economic development. Wesam Shahed, an attorney, hopes to bring a trauma hospital to the area and provide small business support. Patricia Joan 'Trish' Murphy, a township supervisor, aims to ensure fair property assessments. Antoine Bass, a real estate appraiser, seeks to work with local leaders on tax reform. And Veronica Bolling-Franklin, a former school board member, plans to assemble a team to research tax relief ideas.

  • The Democratic primary election for the Cook County Board 6th District seat will be held on March 17, 2026.

The players

Sylvester Fulcher

A 51-year-old social worker who has spent most of his life in the 6th District and now lives in Matteson. He previously served on the Saint George School District 258 board in Kankakee County.

Wesam Shahed

An attorney who has worked for both the Cook County state's attorney and the Illinois attorney general's offices. A resident of Bridgeview, he is a progressive candidate focused on expanding county services.

Patricia Joan 'Trish' Murphy

The supervisor and Democratic committeeperson of Worth Township, as well as a member of the Moraine Valley Community College board. She is the daughter of former 6th District Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy.

Antoine Bass

A Matteson-based appraiser and real estate agent who previously served as the Rich Township High School District 227 board president and ran unsuccessfully for Rich Township supervisor.

Veronica Bolling-Franklin

A former member of the Matteson District 159 school board who describes herself as a "seasoned citizen who cares about my community."

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What they’re saying

“I've been helping people on an individual level, helping with their families, helping in their homes, and by extension, helping community. Now I want to do it on a grander scale, to be able to convey that we're in this together.”

— Sylvester Fulcher (Chicago Tribune)

“It doesn't take a rocket scientist or medical expert to understand someone dies in that ambulance ride.”

— Wesam Shahed (Chicago Tribune)

“With what's happening at the federal level, with the cuts and the chaos, I think the communities deserve someone that knows this type of work and can lead on Day 1. With what's going on, I don't think this could be a training position.”

— Patricia Joan 'Trish' Murphy (Chicago Tribune)

“When I was younger, I literally saw my mother get shot in front of me, and then I had to go to grammar school. I had nobody to help me unpack all that stuff.”

— Antoine Bass (Chicago Tribune)

“My vote is never for sale. I don't consider myself to be your traditional politician. I consider myself to be a seasoned citizen who cares about my community.”

— Veronica Bolling-Franklin (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election for the Cook County Board 6th District seat will be held on March 17, 2026.

The takeaway

The race for the Cook County Board 6th District seat highlights the key issues of property tax relief and healthcare access that are top concerns for residents in the south suburbs. The diverse backgrounds and policy platforms of the five Democratic candidates offer voters a range of options to address these critical challenges facing the community.