Chicago has been the site of significant municipal-level socialist electoral victories in recent years. Socialist community organizer Anthony Quezada won a seat on the Cook County Board earlier this year, and the city council’s Socialist Caucus has five members. Nick Ward is hoping to join that caucus.

A community organizer, restaurant worker, artist, and renter, Ward is endorsed by the Chicago Democratic Socialists of America and is running to replace three-term incumbent Harry Osterman on Chicago’s city council. The 48th ward includes portions of the neighborhoods of Uptown, Edgewater, and Andersonville on Chicago’s North Side.

Brynn Schaal spoke with Ward about his campaign and his visions of a Chicago centered on working-class politics. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.