[3] She worked as a community organizer with Northside Action for Justice and served as the board president for Voice of the People, an affordable housing nonprofit.
[7] In the 2023 election, Clay once again announced her run for alderperson of the 46th ward, which was an open seat due to Cappleman's pending retirement.
[8] She also received support from progressive elected officials such as Maria Hadden, Matt Martin, Mike Simmons, and members of the City Council Democratic Socialist Caucus,[9] former 46th ward alderwoman Helen Shiller,[4] and local organizations such as ONE People's Campaign, Asian American Midwest Progressives, and Jewish Council on Urban Affairs Votes.
[10][9] The race became the only City Council election where campaign contribution limits were lifted, due to expenditures supporting Walz surpassing $100,000.
[10][12][13] Upon taking office, Clay said that her early goals included summer youth programming and addressing the needs of the surge of migrants and asylum seekers being bussed to the city.