We Want Harold

In 1982 Chicago, MAYOR JANE BYRNE (49), has become notorious for doing as the "Chicago Machine" wants rather than what the voters want. She fires several Black people and disbands a review committee. When the public tries to object, she has meetings closed to the public. In retaliation, JESSE JACKSON (?) orders the public to boycott Chicago Fest. The boycott is successful. Meanwhile, LU PALMER (60) and others begin polling local voters to see if a Black candidate could defeat Jane in an election. Several argue that US Congressman, HAROLD WASHINGTON (60), should run. Harold tells Lu and other organizers that he will only agree to run for mayor if they raise 250,000 dollars and register 100,000 new voters. This angers Lu, but his fellow organizers, including his wife, JORJA (52), OSCAR WORRILL (39), TIM BLACK (64), ZENOBIA BLACK (40s), and NATE CLAY (46), begin to raise money and convince people to register to vote. During this time, MARY ELLA (46) tries to convince Harold that he should give up his seat in Congress to take down the "Machine" once and for all. Harold is reluctant to do this and wants to work on legislation in Congress. When Lu reveals that organizers have the money and new voters Harold asked for though, Harold agrees to run for mayor. Harold begins giving speeches. His team meets with independent banks to secure funding. SAM PATCH (48) meets with CONRAD WORRILL (41) and wants to hire him for the campaign. Conrad demands that Harold include reparations in his campaign. Harold refuses, but eventually, Conrad agrees to work for Harold anyway. Harold gains popularity, but Jane is not worried about him. During the primary debate, Harold challenges Jane. His popularity grows. On election day, Republican, BERNIE EPTON (?) easily wins his race. Harold's supporters have trouble voting when the southside trains stop working. Despite this, Harold wins. Still, Jane refuses to concede and begins to mount a write-in campaign. Sam convinces Harold that he needs to dress nicer and care more about white voters. After the primaries, Harold promises that he will not attack Bernie. Bernie's supporters are racist toward Harold. A negative ad from Harold's camp is released too, despite Harold previously rejecting the ad. Harold wins the mayoral election anyway. One day, as mayor, Harold adjourns the city council. He gets up and leaves. Members of the city council, led by ED VRDOLYAK (?), secretly begin to appoint themselves to positions of power. When Harold learns of this, he tries to have the appointments thrown out in court. The judge rules that the appointments are legal but that Harold is in control of the funding committees receive. Meanwhile, Sam realizes that district maps have failed to take into account growing Hispanic populations. Harold and his camp have a judge declare that a special election is needed to correct the problems with the map. Harold backs several candidates, including LUIS GUTIERREZ (?). Ed Vrdolyak backs rival MANUEL TORRES (?). On election night, control of the council comes down to the Torres-Gutierrez race. Gutierrez wins. By 1986, Harold prepares for re-election. Jane is running too and wants to use race against Harold. Her staff opposes this plan, and Jane backs Harold in the election. Harold wins. Harold's health begins to decline. Those closest to him suggest Harold go to the doctor. Soon after though, Harold collapses and dies.