RICHARD M. DALEY is the mayor of Chicago. He has earned a national reputation for his innovative, community-based programs to address education, public safety, neighborhood development and other challenges facing American cities. Time magazine, in its April 25, 2005 issue, said Daley "is widely viewed as the nation's top urban executive."
A former state senator and county prosecutor, Daley was elected mayor on April 4, 1989, to complete the term of the late Harold Washington, and was re-elected in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007 by overwhelming margins.
Daley earned a BA and a JD from DePaul University in Chicago.  
Daley was elected state's attorney of Cook County in 1980 and re-elected in 1984 and 1988. He pushed successfully for tougher state narcotics laws and raised the conviction rate dramatically.
In 1996 Daley headed the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Among his many honors, he has been named Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County magazine; a Public Official of the Year by Governing magazine; and Politician of the Year by Library Journal.
All of Daley’s great grandparents came from Ireland.  His maternal roots come from Co. Cork, and his paternal roots lie in Waterford.
Daley and his wife Margaret have three children. 

Return to RETURN TO LEGAL 100 LIST