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 43rd ward, which covers parts of Lincoln Park and Old Town
Demographic
- Total Population: 56,170
- White: 84.82 percent
- Black: 3.41 percent
- Hispanic: 4.81 percent
- Asian: 6.15 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Michele Smith
Ward Committeemen: Michele Smith (democratic committeeman) and Chris Cleveland (republican committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Andrew Challenger (withdrawn), Jen Kramer, Steve McClellan (removed), Jerry Quandt and Caroline Vickrey
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Safe, wealthy, young, busy and upscale
Economic Engine: There are many economic boosters in the 43rd ward, including the numerous restaurants and bars and DePaul University.
Where People Eat: Restaurants include Del Seoul, Racine Plumbing, Batter and Berries, Trellis, Bourgeois Pig Cafe, The Galway Arms, Sushi Para II, La Diosa, Rawnature5, Bacino's, Insomnia Cookies, Chipotle, Toast, Athenian Room, Home Slice, Jam 'N Honey, Butcher and the Burger, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, Pasta Palazzo, Geja's Cafe and R.J. Grunt's.
Where People Drink: Bars include Kingston Mines, D.O.C. Wine Bar, Atlas Brewing Company, Delilah's, Wrightwood Tap, Lincoln Hall, The Tonic Room, B.L.U.E.S., Tin Lizzie, Lion Head Pub, Halligan Bar, State, McGee's, Beaumont Bar and Grill and River Shannon.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include St. Clement Parish, St. Vincent DePaul, Midwest Buddhist Temple and St. Michael Old Town.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Michele Smith was first elected alderman of the 43rd ward in 2011. Prior to her election, Vi Daley (not related to the Mayor Daley family) held the position from 1999 to 2011. In 2007, Daley won 54 percent of the vote, defeating Smith in a runoff. In 2011, Smith won 51 percent of the vote, defeating Tim Egan in a runoff.
Landmark: Lincoln Park Zoo
Ward Expert: Rodger Owen, president of Lincoln Central Association, a Lincoln Park neighborhood organization
