Daley, Richard Joseph (1902-1976), a Democrat, was mayor of Chicago from 1955 until his death on Dec. 20, 1976. During that time, he was one of the most powerful political leaders in the United States. He was elected to his first term as mayor in 1955, and was reelected in 1959, 1963, 1967, 1971, and 1975.
Daley headed the Cook County Democratic organization, perhaps the strongest political machine in the United States. He became an adviser to President John F. Kennedy and to President Lyndon B. Johnson. Under Daley’s leadership, Chicago reorganized its police department, encouraged the construction of many major downtown buildings, and pushed an urban renewal and rebuilding program that removed many slums.
In 1968, Daley became the target of criticism following violent clashes between Chicago police and protesters at the Democratic National Convention. In the early 1970’s, Daley’s administration was rocked by several scandals and trials involving corruption. None involved Daley. But many high officials were found guilty. Over 50 police officers were convicted of taking bribes from tavern owners.
Daley suffered a political setback in 1972 when the city’s regular Democratic delegates were barred from the party’s national convention in a fight over delegate selection procedures. But he won renewed national prestige with a decisive reelection victory in 1975.
Daley was born on May 15, 1902, in Chicago. He received undergraduate and law degrees from DePaul University. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1936 and later served in the Illinois Senate and as state revenue director. His son Richard M. Daley also served as mayor of Chicago from 1989 to 2011. Another son, William M. Daley, served as U.S. secretary of commerce under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2000. William Daley served as chief of staff under President Barack Obama in 2011 and 2012.
See also Chicago (Government).
