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 31st ward, which covers parts of Hermosa, Belmont-Cragin and Logan Square.
Demographic
- Total Population: 53,724
- White: 18.96 percent
- Black: 2.49 percent
- Hispanic: 75.88 percent
- Asian: 2.06 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Ray Suarez
Ward Committeemen: Joseph Berrios (democratic committeeman), Edward Vazquez (republican committeeman) and Mary Ann Esler (Green Party committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Renne Chavez (removed), Irma Cornier, Milly Santiago and Sean Starr
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Residential, relatively violent, family-oriented and populous
Economic Engine: Restaurants, retail and industry. Part of the Belmont-Central shopping district is located in the 31st ward.
Where People Eat: There are many fast food restaurants in the ward, including McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and Popeye's. Other restaurants include Poncitlan 5, Bread Basket, El Alteno, Golden Nugget Pancake House, Cozy Corner Restaurant and Pancake House, Cousins Grill, Coluta's Pizza, El Jerezano, Durango's Pizza, Taqueria El Kacheton Chicago, Senor Pan Cafeteria, Mariscos Nayarit, Taqueria El Tapatio, Raymond's Tacos III and Laramie Bakery and Deli.
Where People Drink: Bars include Bim Bom Lounge, Stereo Nightclub and Martini Club.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Marantha the House of God, Outreach Community Church, New Life Covenant Northwest, Igreja Evangelica Assembleia, St. Genevieve's Church, Bethesda Church, Vida Nueva Iglesia, ICC Principe de Paz, Our Lady of Grace, Northwest Alliance Church and Marantha Romanian Church.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Ray Suarez, who is also the vice-mayor of Chicago, has been alderman of the 31st ward since 1991. In 2007, Suarez won 86 percent fo teh vote, defeating Ray Hernandez. In 2011, he ran unopposed.
Landmark: Kelvyn Park
Ward Expert: Rosario Delgado, executive director of the Hermosa Community Organization
