CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago’s 12th Ward has a new alderwoman.
On Monday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the appointment of Anabel Abarca to represent the ward, which comprises the Southwest Side neighborhoods of Brighton Park, McKinley Park, and Little Village.
Ald. George Cardenas represented the 12th Ward starting in 2003, but he resigned in early November 2022 after he was elected to serve on the Cook County Board of Review.
Following his resignation, Cardenas endorsed Abarca to replace him. Abarca formerly served as Cardenas’ chief of staff.
In her announcement, Lightfoot highlighted Abarca’s Chicago roots and her working-class parents, who immigrated to Chicago from Mexico. Abarca’s father drove cabs and ran a small auto-repair shop in Belmont-Cragin while her mother cleaned offices and worked at a factory, according to the release.
“Representing and serving the 12th ward is one of the greatest honors I can fulfill for my community,” Abarca said in a statement. “Our ward is filled with motivated and passionate people who see our community's potential, and I look forward to bringing their vision to life as alderwoman. I'm ready to help my community grow and deliver the resources it deserves."
Beyond her work as Cardenas’ chief of staff, Abarca has worked as a lawyer and has been involved with McKinley Park Development Council, Latinos Progresando, and the El Valor Associate Board. She is currently the treasurer of Women in Planning and Development.
Abarca currently lives in McKinley Park and earned degrees from two Chicago universities: her bachelor’s degree from DePaul and her law degree from Loyola.
The appointment must be approved by Chicago City Council.
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