Hero background image

Meet your new Calumet City leadership team!

Support our democratic slate

Fighting for Calumet City!

Meet our Democrats United 2025 team!

Photo of Endorser

James "JR" Patton

Candidate for mayor

JR currently serves Calumet City as Alderman of the 6th Ward but his service to the city began in 2013. Hired as Assistant to the Mayor, elevated to Interim Director of Public Works and then Interim Director of Inspectional Services, and finally was the City Administrator when he entered the private sector in 2017. He is currently the Managing Partner of the 1833 Group, a consulting and public affairs firm doing work across the United States.

He’s a 12 year resident and a father of two, married to Mollie Schneider. JR is an alumni of Marist High School and Eastern Illinois University. He is active with the Calumet City Lion’s Club, Boy Scouts Troop 542 and the Colon Cancer Coalition.

“I'm running to bring transparency, accountability, and honesty back to our city government and an emphasis on economic development, public safety, and housing.”

Photo of Endorser

Dr. Nyota T. Figgs

calumet city city clerk

Dr. Nyota Figgs, well-known and respected by the residents of Calumet City, brings 16 years of experience to the office of City Clerk. A graduate with a Doctorate in Education, Nyota has also completed the highest certification for city clerks, Masters of Municipal Clerk. Nyota has also been acknowledged as Clerk of the Year by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. 

Nyota’s previous law enforcement experience contributes to her extensive experience and focus in leadership and transparency. Nyota’s leadership and project management skills are apparent in her various roles in organizations. Nyota is also a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“As City Clerk for 16 years, I have the knowledge to advance Calumet City’s services and help restore the city’s integrity.”

Photo of Endorser

Aradia Clark

candidate for calumet city city treasurer

Aradia Clark is a Board-Certified Credit Consultant, Loan and Insurance Broker, Spiritual Life Coach, and Business Coach. With a strong passion for math and finance, Aradia transitioned into the Financial Services Industry in 2016, where she has since made a significant impact. Aradia specializes in helping both business owners and consumers understand the criteria necessary to access credit and capital. She offers courses designed for youth, adults, seniors, and small businesses in partnership with nonprofit organizations and large corporations.

As a minority small business owner, Aradia deeply understands the challenges of navigating finance and business. Her mission is to empower small businesses to compete with larger corporations by providing the tools and knowledge necessary for growth and scalability—ultimately helping them attract and retain employees. Aradia is also a member of the National Small Business Association's Leadership Council and treasurer of Rich Township Chamber of Commerce. 

“My city treasurer’s office will utilize the resources of Calumet City for the economic inclusion of the residents and small businesses of Calumet City.”

Photo of Endorser

Michael Navarrete

Calumet city 1st ward alderman

As a dedicated public servant and incumbent alderman, Alderman Mike Navarrete has proudly called Calumet City his home for the past 30 years. His educational journey began at Lincoln Elementary, continued at St. Victor, and culminated at TF North High School. Mike then studied Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago, gaining the skills necessary to address our community's infrastructure needs effectively.

Mike is also honored to be a member of the Forward Committee, where he helped successfully merged three Catholic parishes in our city to foster unity and collaboration. Additionally, he serves with the Calumet City Cavaliers, an organization committed to supporting veterans and promoting youth sports. Mike’s deep roots in the community fuel his passion to create a better future for all residents.

“I am committed to revitalizing our community by addressing blight on corridors like Burnham Avenue and residential areas, eliminating back taxes to attract developers and foster growth.”

Photo of Endorser

Monet S. Wilson

Calumet city 2nd ward alderwoman

Monet S. Wilson, the trailblazing 2nd Ward Alderwoman of Calumet City, Illinois, has over a decade of impactful leadership in public service and community development. Elected as the city's first African American Alderwoman, she is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities, developing our youth, and preventing violence.

Beyond public office, Monet is the Wife of Courtland D. Wilson, mother of two sons, CJ & Chase, and “Mother” of the Calumet City Chargers National Youth Football & Cheer Program. Monet is the founding CEO of several successful businesses, including MC Custom Apparel Inc. and Monet Sheree Consultants Inc. She is also a founding member of the Democratic Women of the Southland Region, further expanding her influence in community advocacy. Monet S. Wilson’s extraordinary achievements and relentless dedication to her community make her a pivotal figure in local governance and a champion of social equity. 

“As Alderwoman, I’m committed to being our community’s voice, empowering change, ensuring fiscal responsibility, being accessible, and protecting the homes we cherish.”

Photo of Endorser

DeJuan Gardner

Calumet city 5th ward alderman

5th Alderman DeJuan Gardner is a vested stakeholder of the 5th ward and has been proudly serving the 5th ward since being elected in 2017. He has a genuine love for his community. DeJuan has been and will continue to be accessible to residents of the 5th Ward and promote community engagement. Before being elected to Alderman, DeJuan served as a School Board Member for Lincoln Elementary School District 156. DeJuan is a proud husband and a proud father of 3 children. 

Alderman Gardner is an appointed representative for the City of Calumet City to serve on the Board of Directors for the South Suburban Land Bank & Development Authority. Alderman Gardner has worked to return several homes that were blighted back to useful market driven homes and will continue to restore more vacant homes. In addition, he passed legislation that holds lenders responsible for registry, upkeep of their vacant, foreclosed properties. Alderman Gardner will continue to serve with sincerity and integrity and loves this community. Alderman Gardner knows that good government works for the people.

"It brings me fulfillment to service the needs of the residents of this ward. I enjoy the hands-on approach of public service. My goals for my tenure are to continue to be accessible to each resident of this ward and to demonstrate leadership that enhances the quality of life and sustainability of this community.”

Photo of Endorser

Dr. Garnadette Stuckey

candidate for calumet city 6th ward alderwoman

Garnadette is a dedicated mental health professional and the Founder and CEO of GJS H.O.P.E., where she provides psychotherapy and community engagement services. With a solid foundation as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Garnadette has built a robust career focused on enhancing mental health care. She served as the Director of Social Work at the Chicago Read Mental Health Center, where she developed and implemented social work services, contributed to clinical executive decision-making, and prioritized quality improvement initiatives. 

With over a decade of experience in social work, Garnadette previously worked as a Forensic Social Worker at Elgin Mental Health Center, determining effective treatments for individuals found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity and facilitating impactful therapy groups. Earlier in her career, Garnadette served as a Child Protection Specialist with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, ensuring the safety and well-being of at-risk children. Beyond her professional roles, Garnadette actively contributes to the field through volunteer work. She hopes to bring her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable to Calumet City. 

“My plans are to listen, learn, collaborate, and execute with transparency to ensure our community is safe, thriving, and fiscally responsible—making us all proud.”

Photo of Endorser

Melissa Phillips

candidate for calumet city 7th ward alderwoman

Melissa is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who has lived in Calumet City for over 30 years. Professionally, Melissa has held various impactful positions, including as a Vice President and a Coordinator of Affairs. Additionally, she is a member of the Order of Eastern Star and the National Association of Railway Business Women (NARBW). 

Melissa graduated from Simeon and is actively involved in volunteer work, contributing to initiatives such as Toys for Tots, Ronald McDonald House, and the Metro Railroad Safety Blitz. She also advocates for Alzheimer's and breast cancer awareness. In her free time, Melissa loves basketball, baseball, and Mexican food.

“I’m running to change the dynamics of the 7th Ward, become a voice for residents, and to work with an administration that puts the people over politics or pride.”

sign up to

Get Involved

photo (generic)