Dennis Deer (August 7, 1972 – June 23, 2024) was an American politician who served as the Cook County Commissioner for the 2nd district from 2017 until his death.
[3] Deer became interested in studying behavioral health after witnessing a murder at the age of 10 and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
[13][15][16] In 2007, Deer filed to run for 24th ward Democratic Committeeman in the 2008 primary, but withdrew as a candidate after facing a challenge to his nominating papers.
He was also the chairman of an anti-violence task force that Steele's 2nd County District Community Advisory Council created with U.S. Representative Danny K.
[6] 2nd district Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele died on June 19, 2017, due to complications related to diabetes.
[6][19][20] Deer and 12 other candidates applied, including 20th ward Democratic Committeeman Kevin Bailey (a member of the selection committee), Reyahd Kazmi (the husband of City Clerk Anna M. Valencia), and State Representative and future City Treasurer Melissa Conyears.
Conyears was also the wife of a selection committee member, 28th ward Alderman and Democratic Committeeman Jason Ervin.
[22][23][24][25] During the primary campaign, Deer was endorsed by U.S. Representative Danny Davis, Alderman Michael Scott Jr., Alderman David Moore, former Cook County Board President and 2nd district Commissioner Bobbie Steele, the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune.
[31][32] On July 25, 2019, the Board of Commissioners passed Deer's resolution declaring racism and racial inequalities a public health crisis in Cook County.
Supporters of the bill believed it was important since communities of color are disproportionately affected by things such as exposure to lead, poor air quality, a lack of safe spaces, and inadequate health education.
[33][34] On July 7, 2020, Deer along with fellow Commissioners Deborah Sims, Stanley Moore, Brandon Johnson, Bill Lowry and Donna Miller released a statement calling for passage of the Justice for Black Lives resolution.
On August 18, 2020, Deer co-hosted an event in Englewood giving out prizes to those who filled out the census with Alderman Stephanie Coleman and various local organizations.
[42] In 2022, he was diagnosed with COVID-19, and experienced a number of health complications around this time, including polymyositis and interstitial lung disease.