PRESS RELEASE
Doran Reaches Ballot Milestone: A Thousand Signatures Collected, and More to Come
Chicago, IL — Sunday, September 6, 2026 — The campaign of Dennis (DJ) Doran announced today that it has collected 1,000 ballot petition signatures, more than twice the number required to secure a place on the February 2027 municipal ballot for Alderman of the 44th Ward.
"I am overwhelmed by the support we've received," Doran said. "And I thank every single resident who stopped to talk with us, sign our petition, and share what matters to them. Those conversations are the reason I'm running, and they'll shape everything I do from here onward."
The signature milestone comes after weeks of canvassing, community events, and conversations with residents across the ward, led by Doran, a small staff, and a team of dedicated volunteers.
While the Doran campaign has already secured more than enough signatures to appear on the February ballot, organizers emphasized that signature gathering will continue through the October deadline set by the Chicago Board of Elections.
"Reaching a thousand signatures is a great moment for DJ’s campaign, but it doesn't mean we're slowing down," said Tom Ciavarella, Doran’s campaign manager. "Every signature is a conversation, and every conversation makes DJ more visible and more accountable to the ward. We're going to keep collecting signatures and keep listening to residents, right until the deadline."
The campaign encouraged residents who have not yet had the chance to speak with Doran or sign the petition to reach out or attend an upcoming event. Those interested in volunteering or learning more about Doran’s platform can visit www.djdoran.com.
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About DJ Doran
Dennis (DJ) Doran is an entrepreneur, an Air Force veteran, a pilot, and a community advocate who has a demonstrated ability to build businesses and relationships across Chicago. He is formerly the executive director of the nonprofit Chicago Deserves Better, which works to establish a commission to develop a City Charter, a local constitution to guide Chicago’s future.
Doran’s campaign for 44th Ward Alderman focuses on restoring responsive neighborhood leadership, with an emphasis on improving public safety and public transit, strengthening accountability at City Hall, and supporting responsible economic development throughout the Ward.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tom Ciavarella
(312) 539-1377