Chicago

Aldermanic Runoff: 18th Ward

NBC Chicago and Ward Room bring you profiles on the 18 wards heading into a runoff election April 7. In this profile, learn all about the 18th Ward.

18th Ward – Lona Lane (incumbent) vs. Derrick Curtis
 
Issues at Stake in Runoff:
Tina James, director of commercial and technology services at the Greater Southwest Development Corporation located in Chicago Lawn, says that public safety, the overall city budget, public schools and housing are issues the community are most concerned with. James believes that voter turnout will be higher this time around not only because “the weather will be nicer,” but also because there are “more opportunities to register more voters” and more interest in voting since there are now only two choices in the mayoral race.
 
 
Lona Lane (campaign website)
 
Education: Some college education, graduate of Harper High School in Englewood
 
Occupation: 18th Ward Alderman
 
Endorsements: Chicago Federation of Labor, Teamsters Joint Council 25, Chicago Area Laborers’ Political League, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, Chicago City Clerk Susanna Mendoza, Secretary of State Jesse White
 
Key Issues: Minimum wage, small businesses, jobs, parks and recreation, using neighborhood contractors on city work, stopping foreclosures
 
Derrick Curtis
 
Education: Some college and certified courses
 
Occupation: City of Chicago Ward Superintendent
 
Endorsements: Chicago Defender
 
Key Issues: Public safety, raising minimum wage, small businesses
 
 
 
General information:
 
Voter Turnout on Feb. 24: 38 percent
 
How did they vote in the mayor’s race?
  • Rahm Emanuel: 38 percent
  • Jesus “Chuy” Garcia: 32 percent
Demographics
  • Total population: 52,992
  • White: 12.67 percent
  • Black: 54.67 percent
  • Hispanic: 31.18 percent
  • Asian: 0.78 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Neighborhoods: Ashburn, Marquette Park/Chicago Lawn and Auburn Gresham
 
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Diverse, closely knit, community-oriented and relatively safe
 
How Ward Typically Votes: Lona Lane has been alderman of the 18th Ward since 2006. She is the first African-American and the first woman to hold the position, In 2007, Lake won 67 percent of the vote, defeating Paul Stewart in a runoff. In 2011, she won 50.6 percent of the vote, defeating Chuks Onyezia (16 percent) and three other challengers.
Contact Us