Tyrone Muhammad, founder of Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change and a former inmate turned activist, joined Chicago’s Morning Answer with Amy Jacobson and Charles Thomas to announce his independent run for the U.S. Senate and offer a blunt critique of both major political parties.
Muhammad, who served 21 years in prison for murder and has since earned multiple degrees and certifications, said his candidacy represents a challenge to the status quo in Illinois politics. He said he chose not to run as a Republican or Democrat because neither party adequately addresses the needs of Black communities, especially Black men.
“Republicans don’t play in the neighborhoods where voters are disillusioned with Democrats,” Muhammad said, arguing that the GOP ignores real outreach in favor of campaign ads that do little to inspire voter turnout. He added that despite widespread dissatisfaction among Black voters, particularly around issues like crime, education, and gender policy, Republicans have failed to show up or invest in those communities meaningfully.
Muhammad also criticized Illinois Democrats for what he views as systemic neglect of underserved communities, calling out their decades-long dominance in the state. He blamed Democratic leadership for neighborhood disinvestment, school failures, and the ongoing crisis of reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. “The condition of our communities hasn’t changed—not because of Trump, but because of long-standing disinvestment and broken promises,” he said.
Asked about his platform, Muhammad pointed to violence prevention, public safety, and tax reform as key pillars, but emphasized that listening to residents from both urban and rural parts of the state is his top priority. He also spoke candidly about his time in prison and the limited support available for inmates upon release. While incarcerated, Muhammad earned two associate degrees, a cosmetology license, and several vocational certifications. He credited his personal drive—not the prison system—for his self-improvement and criticized Illinois’ failure to assist formerly incarcerated individuals with housing, jobs, and mental health services.
Due to his conviction, Muhammad is barred from running for alderman or other local offices under current Illinois law—a fact he called “oxymoronic,” noting that while he can run for U.S. Senate or even president, he cannot hold office at the municipal level without a pardon. “That’s where the power over zoning, licensing, and contracts lives. And that’s where systemic exclusion continues,” he said.
Muhammad also voiced support for marijuana-related reparations, arguing that people incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis offenses should be released and compensated. He criticized the racial disparity in cannabis licensing, pointing out that most licenses are owned by wealthy white men, while many Black men remain imprisoned for similar offenses.
Throughout the interview, Muhammad positioned himself as a grassroots candidate who understands the realities of poverty, incarceration, and social exclusion. He said he’s already building momentum in downstate communities and expressed confidence that his message resonates beyond Chicago. “They love me downstate,” he said. “I’ve never been more encouraged.”
Looking ahead to the 2024 Senate race, co-host Charles Thomas speculated on potential Democratic contenders, including Robin Kelly, Juliana Stratton, and even Rahm Emanuel. But Muhammad remained focused on his own campaign. “They can’t outwork me,” he said. “I’m not worried about money or machines. I’m worried about people.”
Muhammad will not appear in the Democratic primary but intends to be on the general election ballot as an independent.