In a fiery and unapologetic interview on Chicago’s Morning Answer, grassroots activists Danielle Carter-Walters and Zoe Leigh laid out their vision for flipping Chicago politically red, taking aim at what they say is decades of failed Democratic leadership, escalating sanctuary city policies, and systemic economic neglect in Black communities.
Carter-Walters, who recently testified before a House subcommittee, criticized Chicago’s sanctuary city status for prioritizing illegal migrants over longtime residents and business owners. “We invested in the Opportunity Zone. We applied for grants and were denied,” she said. “Yet 140,000 illegal alien-run businesses were funded without question.” She cited rising gang activity, violent crime near shelters, and overrun neighborhoods as evidence of an invasion, not immigration.
The group they represent, Chicago Flips Red, was founded to educate and activate Black voters—particularly on the South and West sides—who they say have been misled and ignored by the political machine.
“We’ve been told how to vote for 40 years, and it hasn’t worked for us,” said Leigh. “Our neighborhoods have deteriorated. Businesses have left. Violence has increased. And all our elected officials are doing is voting with a progressive caucus that pushes sanctuary status, abortion access, and radical gender ideology—none of which address the economic issues plaguing our communities.”
The group has been a regular presence at Chicago City Council meetings, confronting Aldermen they say have sold out their constituents for political gain. Carter-Walters and Leigh named names—William Hall (6th), David Moore, Michelle Harris, Stephanie Coleman, Emma Mitts, and others—as aldermen who vote “against the interest of the people they claim to represent.”
“This isn’t about race. This is about economics,” Leigh emphasized. “We’re entrepreneurs. Danielle’s husband is a retired police officer. We’re watching our city prioritize newcomers over the people who built these neighborhoods.”
Chicago Flips Red is actively recruiting candidates for 2026 and 2027 local and state elections. Their criteria: Republican affiliation and alignment with conservative values. “No moderates. No party-switchers. We want people who are for the people and aren’t compromised,” said Carter-Walters. “It’s time for new leadership with moral clarity.”
Both women were sharply critical of Governor JB Pritzker, calling him the architect of Illinois’ sanctuary state status and accusing him of presiding over a criminally corrupt system. “Everyone focuses on Brandon Johnson, but Jelly Belly has been getting a pass. He belongs in prison,” Leigh declared.
Despite their confrontational tone, both leaders said they’re energized by growing support in communities they canvass. “People are waking up. They’re saying, ‘I voted for Trump, too.’ They’re saying they miss conservative values,” Leigh noted. “They may not say it loudly, but they’re saying it.”
Leigh also revealed a past working relationship with activist and comedian Dick Gregory, crediting him with inspiring her to trust her instincts and fight injustice regardless of political alignment. “If he were alive today and saw what’s happening, he’d be right there with me,” she said.
Their message was clear: change is coming, and it’s being driven by people who are no longer afraid to question the machine. “We’re not asking for change,” said Carter-Walters. “We’re demanding it.”
For more on their efforts or to get involved, visit chicagoflipsred.com.