CENTURY OF CLOUT

Key chairmen of the Cook County Democratic Party

1915- 1920, Roger C. Sullivan:

The millionaire biscuit-maker is credited with institutionalizing the power of the Cook County Democratic organization.

1928- 1931, Anton J. Cermak:

The former Chicago mayor is credited with incorporating immigrants into the party.

1946- 1950, Jacob M. Arvey:

The first Jewish chairman, Arvey launched the careers of Gov. Adlai Stevenson, Sen. Paul Douglas and mayor Martin Kennelly.

1953- 1976, Richard J. Daley:

The first Mayor Daley led the party to national prominence. He appointed Jane Byrne, who would later become the city’s first female mayor, to be his cochair in 1975.

1976- 1982, 19871990, George Dunne:

A member of Daley’s inner circle and a County Board president, Dunne replaced Daley after his death. He was ousted in 1982 but was re- elected five years later.

1982- 1987, Edward Vrdolyak:

With Byrne’s support, Vrdolyak took the reins of the party but resigned to run for mayor. He lost to Mayor Harold Washington.

1990- 2007, Thomas G. Lyons:

He ran the party until his death, but its political power had weakened by the time he led it.

2007- 2018, Joe Berrios:

The first Hispanic chairman, Berrios endorsed more women and people of color. He lost his re- election bid for county assessor in March after being mired in controversy surrounding the county’s property tax assessment system.