As Highland Park faces economic, public safety, and civic challenges, Raúl Claros leverages community experience and strategic leadership to address voter priorities in the District 1 City Council race.
One thing that overflows in Raúl Claros’s personality is optimism. He didn’t enter the race for the District 1 City Council seat just for the experience—he entered to win. And if not, to influence meaningful change in leadership.
“I believe my work, my experience, and my vision put me in a strong position in this election. We’ve already achieved our first goal—getting on the ballot. We’ve also qualified for the city’s matching funds program, which will allow us to run a stronger, better-resourced campaign. Right now, we’re in the planning stage, and the coming weeks will be very intense,” Claros says.
Since launching his candidacy, he has spent his time walking through neighborhoods across the district, becoming one of the most vocal critics of Councilmember Eunisses Hernández.
“It could be me or any of the other three candidates—but what we all want is new leadership. Many voters in Highland Park have told me, and the others, that they regret voting for her. We’re confident they’ll make a different choice this time,” he emphasizes.
When asked whether it’s the right strategy to center his campaign largely on Hernández and her record, as other challengers are doing, Claros laughs.
“What else would I base it on? I have to highlight her work over the past two or three years—her poor performance, her lack of accessibility, and the misuse of discretionary funds. She has chosen to support organizations that support her, while drifting away from the real needs of residents,” he argues.
In recent weeks, Claros has intensified his presence in local communities.
“You hear the same concerns everywhere. Right now, residents are worried about gas prices, the war in Iran, businesses still struggling from the aftermath of COVID, the impact of ICE, affordability, and overall quality of life,” he says.
When asked how much influence a city councilmember actually has over issues like gas prices or international conflicts, Claros acknowledges the limits—but insists leadership still matters.
“I know a councilmember can’t directly change those things, but they can influence outcomes—by lobbying other agencies, working with organizations, and collaborating with other leaders to find solutions. These are times that call for leadership and new ways of thinking. If an issue isn’t directly within a councilmember’s power, they must approach it differently,” he explains.
He points to more immediate, local concerns: “I know senior centers lack adequate food distribution—that’s something a councilmember can address. I also know discretionary funds are critical, and many problems can be solved by using them wisely.”
Another issue he highlights is the lack of coordination between the current councilmember and federal representatives.
“It seems like there’s little communication, even though they serve many of the same residents. There needs to be more collaboration, joint strategies, and coordinated efforts to secure funding and bring hope back to District 1,” he adds.
Claros frequently underscores his years of community work, his hands-on experience, and his ability to bring people together to solve problems.
“Through my day job as a community organizer for various organizations, I stay close to people and see their struggles firsthand. In this campaign, I want voters to compare that experience with the other candidates. I see myself as the frontrunner. I believe it will come down to the incumbent and me in a runoff—I can see that path clearly, and our internal data supports it,” he says.
“The real question is: who am I compared to the others? I do care about this community. I do care about these issues. And I will work tirelessly to address them.”
With only a few weeks left before the election, Claros knows the most intense phase is still ahead. May will be critical, as he returns to voters who have already pledged their support.
“Now we have to make sure they actually show up and vote,” he says.
He does not dismiss his opponents. “Sylvia and Lou are experienced and intelligent. Nelson has a good heart and is well known in Highland Park.”
These days, Claros admits he isn’t getting much sleep. Late nights are spent refining strategy and planning next steps—sometimes until 2 or 3 a.m.
“I have to do it—there’s no other choice,” he says. “But by six in the morning, my role shifts: I’m just a dad to my daughter, Valentina.”
Raúl Claros: The Teacher, Dreamer, and Fighter Running for City Council
