Thompson for Mayor

William Hale Thompson (May 14, 1869 – March 19, 1944), known as “Big Bill,” was a Republican and the mayor of Chicago from 1915-1923 and 1927-1931. Thompson was born in Boston, but his family soon moved to Chicago. The nickname “Big Bill” was not just for his more than six-foot height but for his flamboyant personality. He worked as a cowboy when he was young and styled himself as a cowboy that wore a big hat. The hat became a symbol for his campaigns. Thompson was also a pioneer of publicity-oriented campaigns that were effective for his exaggerated campaigning and uncensored language.  

Thompson is also known as the most corrupt official in Illinois history. In 1927, Prohibition and the Chicago gang wars were at their peak. He was associated with Al Capone during of his mayoralty. Capone at least $100,000 to Thompson’s 1927 campaign, and Big Bill appointed a Capone agent, Daniel Serritella, as a city sealer to keep an eye on City Hall. Capone also set up gambling operations a block from City Hall and bribed many city officials. In 1931, Thompson was not reelected and lost against Anton Cernak. In 1936, Big Bill made a failed attempt to the Governorship. In 1939, he tried to be Chicago’s mayor but lost again. Thompson was a popular politician during his career, but his popularity collapsed when over 2 million dollars' worth of assets were found in 4 security boxes which detractors said was evidence of his corruption.