Get to Know Your Ward: 26th Ward

NBC Chicago and Ward Room bring you profiles on all 50 wards this election season. As candidates face off in the Feb. 24 election, they are also facing a new ward map, which takes effect when the winners assume office.

In this profile, learn all about the 26th ward, which covers parts of Humboldt Park, Hermosa, Ukrainian Village and Logan Square.

Demographic

  • Total Population: 53,516
  • White: 19.56 percent
  • Black: 12.7 percent
  • Hispanic: 65.8 percent
  • Asian: 1.3 percent (Source: WBEZ)

Current Alderman: Roberto Maldonado

Ward Committeemen: Roberto Maldonado (democratic committeemam) and James A. Curri (republican committeeman)

Who else is running: Adam Corona and Juanita Irizarry

Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Violent, community-oriented, low-income, gentrifying and young

Economic Engine: Retail shops and restaurants, particularly along Division Street. 

Where People Eat: Restaurants include Xocoatl Churros, El Asador, Marble, Tumbao, Checkers, Chilo y Chela, La Isla Pequeña, Chen’s Garden, Sabor Latino, La Lena, La Encantada, Zoku Sushi and Thai, Grandma J’s Local Kitchen, La Bruquena and Chavas Tacos.

Where People Drink: Bars include NonStopRiders Clubhouse, Off Color Brewing, Las Vegas Nite Club, The Corner, Weegee’s Lounge, Rootstock Wine and Beer Bar, Sportsman’s Club and Lockdown Bar and Grill.

Where People Pray: Churches and houses of worship include The Carpenter’s House, New Life Covenant Church, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Cathedral, First Congregational Church of Chicago, New Moriah Baptist Church, City Wide Community Church and Humboldt Park Hispanic SDA Church.

How the Ward Typically Votes: 
Roberto Maldonado has been alderman of the 26th ward since 2009. Billy Ocasio was alderman before Maldonado. He won 66 percent of the vote in 2007, defeating Jesse Granato (16 percent) and two other challengers. In 2011, Maldonado won 82 percent of the vote, defeating Devon Reid (18 percent).

Landmark: Humboldt Park and lagoon. Another landmark is Paseo Boricua, the stretch of Division Street between Western and California dedicated to the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. There is a Puerto Rican flag arch over the street and several murals on the buildings along the street.

Ward Expert: Amy Vega, president of the Humboldt Park Advisory Council

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