Meet Tshey

"Public service isn't just my profession, it's how I've chosen to live my life. Whether serving students, families, or our veterans, I've always believed leadership means showing up, listening, and putting people first. That's the same approach I'll bring to the 20th Ward."

Leadership rooted in Service

I'm Tshey Gebre, a husband, a father, longtime union member, homeowner, and lifelong Chicagoan with roots in Woodlawn. Since 2021, my family has proudly called the 20th Ward home.

My career has always centered on serving people. I've worked in education, state government, and federal government, helping individuals and families navigate complex systems and advocating for fair, thoughtful solutions. Those experiences have reinforced a simple belief: government should work for the people it serves.

Today, I'm running for Alderman because I believe the 20th Ward deserves leadership that is accessible, accountable, and focused on delivering results for every neighborhood.

Who I am

Tshey Gebre for the 20th Ward. Tshey Gebre running for alderman. 20th ward. Chicago Alderman. Tshey Gebre

I'm a proud product of Chicago Public Schools, and my connection to this city has shaped who I am. I grew up on Chicago's North Side, but my family's roots have always been on the South Side. Some of my best memories are of spending weekends and holidays visiting my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—experiencing firsthand the strong sense of community that has always defined neighborhoods like those in the 20th Ward.

Education opened doors for me. I earned my Associate of Arts degree from City Colleges of Chicago before graduating from Benedictine University with a Bachelor's degree in business. Those experiences taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and investing in opportunities that help people reach their full potential.

My career has been dedicated to public service. I began as a CPS employee, and today I'm also a CPS parent, giving me a unique perspective on both the challenges and opportunities facing our schools and families. I've served in Illinois state government with the Department of Human Services and in the federal government, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I worked to serve veterans, families, and communities. Each role reinforced the same lesson: government works best when it listens, responds, and puts people first.

Growing up in Chicago taught me that neighborhoods are more than places on a map—they're where families build their lives, where small businesses become gathering places, where neighbors look out for one another, and where children learn what community means. Every neighborhood has its own history, strengths, and aspirations, and each deserves the same level of attention, respect, and investment.

As a husband and father of four, I understand the hopes families have for their neighborhoods. We all want safe streets where children can play, schools that prepare students for success, parks that bring communities together, and local businesses that create jobs and opportunity.

Those aren't political goals—they're community goals.

Every decision I make will be guided by one simple question:

Will this make life better for the people of the 20th Ward?

My StorY

Why I’m Running:

Public Servant

Experience serving residents through both state and federal government, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Committed to responsive, accountable government

Education Advocate

From attending Chicago Public Schools to working in them, and now supporting my own children as a CPS parent and active PTA member. I understand the importance of strong schools, engaged families, and partnerships that help every child succeed.

Community Member

A homeowner, neighbor, and father invested in the future of the 20th Ward through family, neighborhood involvement, and a commitment to supporting local schools, parks, community organizations, small businesses, and residents.

Union Member

A longtime union member who understands the value of protecting workers and strengthening our local economy.

Former member of: SEIU, IAM, AFGE

Current member of AFSCME Council 31

Silhouette of houses, a tree, and a city skyline with a large orange sun behind them, with roots extending downward in a stylized design.

My Commitment

With Commitment and Purpose

Real results for the whole 20th ward

Every Neighborhood deserves to be seen.

Whether you live in Woodlawn, Englewood, Washington Park, Fuller Park, Back of the Yards, or New City, my commitment is the same: to listen, to work hard, and to represent every resident with integrity.

What you can expect from me

  • I'll be accessible and responsive to residents.

  • I'll communicate honestly and transparently.

  • I'll make decisions based on what's best for the community.

  • I'll work with residents, businesses, schools, faith leaders, and community organizations.

  • I'll focus on long-term solutions, not short-term headlines.

The Campaign Promise

Real Results.

I'll measure success by safer, stronger communities, and a better quality of life for every resident.

Commitment.

I'll show up, listen, and work every day—not just during campaign season.

With Purpose. Every decision will be guided by what's best for the people of the 20th Ward.