During a quick and fiery town hall style caucus Tuesday night, state Sen. Napoleon Harris received the Democratic nomination for Thornton Township supervisor in the April 2025 election, blocking incumbent Supervisor Tiffany Henyard from the ballot.
Harris, the committeeman for the Thornton Township Democrats who organized the caucus, was nominated as part of a slate of board candidates that includes Trustee Christopher Gonzalez and organizer Mary Avent, both outspoken critics of Henyard.
Hundreds of people lined up hours in advance to caucus at the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District auditorium, with many latecomers left waiting outside when the caucus began. Only a few minutes later, Harris’ nomination, despite protests from Henyard herself, was seconded and approved by a chorus of “Ayes” sounded from township residents both on the auditorium floor and in risers.
Henyard refused to answer questions from reporters once the meeting adjourned, quickly exiting the building and jumping into a black SUV. However, township food program manager Keith Price, who works closely with Henyard, said the process was unlawful and will be challenged in court.
“They carried on with the vote without all these people being invited in,” Price said gesturing to the more than 100 people lined up outside. “This is a fraud.”
Price alleged those who were able to caucus were not properly vetted to ensure that they were township residents, a requirement to vote. Inside the building, Harris confirmed his candidacy for township supervisor but would not comment on potential challenges to how he was nominated.
As of now, Harris will be among five supervisor candidates on the ballot April 1, facing Republican Richard Nolan, Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark and his Reform Thornton Township Party and Independent candidates Nate Fields, Jr., Stafford Owens and Sidney Moore.
Henyard, appointed supervisor in 2021 after the death of longtime former Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli, is also mayor of Dolton and is being federally investigated in both roles. She has drawn strong opposition from those within and outside Thornton Township amid concerns of spending and controversial appointments and firings within her administrations.
In contrast to Thornton Township, Dolton will hold a primary in February that will determine whether Henyard or Village Trustee Jason House becomes the Democratic nominee for mayor. Price said Tuesday night that he believes Henyard’s reputation among township residents could still win her reelection for supervisor as a write in candidate.
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