Mayor Brandon Johnson is appointing Walter “Red” Burnett to the City Council seat vacated by his father, the mayor’s administration said Friday.

Burnett’s appointment to the 27th Ward seat must be approved by aldermen, a vote expected this month. Once confirmed, the 29-year-old will take the office held for 30 years by his father, former Ald. Walter Burnett Jr.

“The 27th Ward deserves a leader who is well-attuned to the challenges we face as we continue to grow and strengthen our communities,” Johnson wrote in a news release announcing the decision. “Red embodies the values, resilience, and vision of the 27th Ward. With his long-standing commitment to public service, equity, and young people, I have no doubt he will be a dedicated and effective advocate of his community.

The younger Bur

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