in 1910, wright ran in the primary as a candidate for alderman. in 1912, he ran again, increasing the number of votes. in 1914, he supported william r. cowen, a real estate businessman, who cornered 45% of the vote. the leadership group of the republican party then realized that they had to consider black aspirations when slating candidates in the 2nd ward. in 1915, the republican party nominated oscar depriest for alderman. depriest won election as alderman of the 2nd ward. robert r. jackson was elected to represent the senatorial district in the general assembly.