ward

Get to Know Your Ward: 25th 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 25th ward, which covers parts of the Lower West Side, Pilsen, Greek Town, China Town and University Village/Little Italy.

Demographic

  • Total Population: 54,539
  • White: 19.93 percent
  • Black: 9 percent
  • Hispanic: 56.23 percent
  • Asian: 14.21 percent (Source: WBEZ)

Current Alderman: Daniel "Danny" Solis

Ward Committeemen: Danny Solis (democratic committeeman), Hector Escarzaga, Jr. (republican committeeman) and Gerald Mead-Lucero (Green Party committeeman)

Who Else is Running: Troy Hernandez (withdrawn), Ed Hershey, Jorge Mujica, Byron Sigcho and Roberto Montano

Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Colorful, diverse, cultural and community-oriented

Economic Engine: Restaurants, retail and cultural institutions

Where People Eat: Restaurants include several Mexican restaurants and taquerias and Chinese restaurants. Specific restaurants include Triple Crown, Seven Treasures Cantonese, Three Happiness, Joy Yee, Manny's Coffee Shop and Deli, Cactus Bar and Grill, Chez Joel Bistro Francais, Old Fifth, Raymond's Hamburgers, Bacchanalia, La Fontanella, La Michoacana, El Campeon Taqueria, Carnitas Uruapan, La Cebollita and Nuevo Leon.

Where People Drink: Bars include Sakura Karaoke Lounge, Polk Street Pub, O'Neill's on Wells, The Beer Bistro, Bessie's Tavern, Junior's Sports Bar, La Tejanita, Magik St. Tavern, Butch's Tap, Ruben's Lounge, Pl-zen, La Vaca Margarita Bar and several coffee shops.

Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Holy Family Church, Soul City Church, St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, Iglesia de Dios Septimo Dia, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Emmanuel Presbterian Church, Spanish Missionary Baptist Church, Bethel Temple Assembly of God, St. Pius V Church Shrine of St. Jude, St. Ann's Catholic Church and St. Procopious Roman Catholic Church.

How the Ward Typically Votes: Danny Solis has been alderman of the 25th ward since 1996 when he was appointed by former mayor Richard M. Daley. Solis won 51 percent of the vote in 2007, defeating Cuahutemoc Morfin (22 percent) and four other challengers. In 2011, Solis won 54 percent of the vote, defeating Morfin in a runoff.

Landmark: Pilsen murals, the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Chinatown arch

Ward Expert: Nelson Soza, executive director of the Pilsen Alliance

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