There are 50 wards in Chicago, each represented by one alderman on City Council. All of those aldermanic seats are on the ballot in the city's municipal election on Feb. 26, with all but five races contested.
This is a list of the candidates running for each ward, according to the Chicago Board of Elections. The candidates are listed in the order they appear on the ballot, with those running for re-election noted as incumbents.
To find out which ward you live in and to see a full sample ballot, you can enter your address on the Chicago Board of Elections' website here .
1st Ward – Palmer Square, West Town
• Proco “Joe” Moreno (incumbent)
• Daniel La Spata
2nd Ward – Uncontested – Near North Side, Old Town, Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village
• Brian Hopkins (incumbent)
3rd Ward – Bronzeville, Washington Park, Fuller Park, South Loop
• Patricia “Pat” Dowell (incumbent)
• Alexandria Willis
4th Ward – Hyde Park, Grand Boulevard, Douglas, Bronzeville, Printers Row, South Loop, Kenwood
• Sophia King (incumbent)
• Ebony D. Lucas
5th Ward – Indian Village, Hyde Park, Jackson Park, South Shore
• Leslie A. Hairston (incumbent)
• William Calloway
• Gabriel Piemonte
6th Ward – Chatham, Englewood
• Roderick T. Sawyer (incumbent)
• Richard A. Wooten
• Deborah A. Foster-Bonner
7th Ward – Calumet Heights, Pill Hill, South Chicago, South Deering, South Shore
• Gregory I. Mitchell (incumbent)
• Charles Kyle
• Jedidiah L. Brown
8th Ward – South Shore, Chatham, Calumet Heights, Pullman, Avalon Park, Burnside, South Chicago
• Michelle A. Harris (incumbent)
• Jewel R. Easterling-Smith
• Linda Hudson
• Faheem Shabazz
With a new year comes new laws. Beginning January 1, 2019, more than 200 bills passed in Illinois go into effect. From changes for drivers to gun control measures, protections for animals to prescription regulations and more, it was a busy year in Springfield. Here's a look at 30 new measures that could impact you moving forward u2014
The Washington Post/Getty Images
Children under the age of two must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint system, thanks to House Bill 4377. Children weighing more than 40 pounds or taller than 40 inches are exempt.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A 72-hour waiting period will be implemented for all firearms, not just handguns. Senate Bill 3256 also eliminates a current exemption on the waiting period that previously allowed for the sale of a firearm to a non-resident of Illinois while at a recognized gun show. Violating the provision is now a Class 4 felony. The current 24-hour waiting period for stun guns and Tasers remains.
House Bill 2354 allows family members or law enforcement to petition the court for a restraining order to temporarily remove firearms from the possession of an individual displaying threatening or unsafe behavior. The Firearms Restraining Order Act, as itu2019s known, says that if a judge finds evidence that a person is a danger to themselves or others, the court can issue an emergency, temporary order for up to 14 days, or a six-month order after a full hearing. It also allows the court to issue search warrants to law enforcement to temporarily seize a personu2019s weapons.
NBC Connecticut
Spurred by the deadly school shooting in Parkland, Florida, this year, Senate Bill 3411 allows schools, places of worship and workplaces u2013 not just individuals, as the law previously allowed u2013 to petition the court for protection from a person deemed to be stalking the location. The law allows a judge to then temporarily restrict that personu2019s access to firearms if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. The bill also expands the u201cStalking No Contact Order Actu201d to include sending unwanted messages via social media as stalking behavior.
Charlie Wojciechowski
This law creates a u201creckless dog owneru201d designation if a dog is deemed dangerous for killing another dog and is found running at large twice within 12 months of being found to be dangerous. People determined to be reckless dog owners can be fined (per animal) under Senate Bill 2386, and courts can confiscate dogs from those owners for anywhere between 12 and 36 months for the first violation.
House Bill 5745 exempts nursing mothers from having to serve jury duty.
Getty Images
Prior Jan. 1, insurers could limit or exclude coverage of a drug used to treat stage 4 metastatic cancer by requiring the patient to first try a different drug, or to prove a history of failure to another drug before covering a new treatment. House Bill 4821 prohibits that practice.
NBC Bay Area
House Bill 2617 requires insurance companies to cover standard fertility preservation services when a medically necessary treatment u2013 like surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, among others u2013 may cause the patient to experience impairment of fertility.
Senate Bill 3015 allows school nurses to keep asthma medication, prescribed in the schoolu2019s name and not designated for a specific student, on hand to administer it when someone is experiencing respiratory distress.
John Moore/Getty Images, File
Unless it states otherwise, prescriptions u2013 except those for controlled substances u2013 are valid for 15 months from their issue date for the purpose of refills under Senate Bill 3170.
Taxman Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman LLC
Sparked by a 2017 incident in which a Kane County Jail inmate receiving treatment at Genevau2019s Delnor Hospital took two nurses hostage in an hours-long standoff, House Bill 4100 requires all licenses health care facilities to establish violence prevention programs in an effort to protect staff. It also creates whistleblower protections for staff and creates safety guidelines for when inmates receive medical treatment.
Senate Bill 2270 provides that nothing can prevent a law enforcement officer from taking temporary custody of an animal that is in danger due to extreme heat or cold conditions, so long as the officer has attempted to make contact with the owner. The law also states that the owner will be responsible for costs of veterinary care for the animal.
EFE
House Bill 1671 requires every law enforcement agency that has police dogs to vaccinate the dogs against rabies before they begin police service, to provide an annual veterinary examination and to transport police dogs in vehicles equipped with a heat sensor that sends an audio and visual notification if the temperature inside the car reaches 85 degrees.
House Bill 5752 creates the Broadband Advisory Council with the goal of exploring ways to expand access to broadband internet and technology across Illinois, particularly in underserved areas. The council will be administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Patrick Sison/AP (File)
Under Senate Bill 2777, doctors who prescribe controlled substances will now have to complete three hours of continuing education on safe opioid practices to renew their prescription license. Hours offered by an accredited professional association, a state agency, a federal agency or hours used to meet the licensing requirements of other states can be counted toward this requirement.
NBC Bay Area
House Bill 4658 requires licensed school personnel and administrators who work with K-12 students to be trained once every two years to identify the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behaviour in young people, and how to appropriately intervene.
NBC10 Boston
All Illinois schools will now be required to hold active shooter safety drills within 90 days of the start of the school year under Senate Bill 2350. The law requires the drills be done on days when students are in the building and all school personnel and students present must participate. Law enforcement must also observe the drill.
Telemundo
Senate Bill 3240 allows the state to revoke the permit of carnivals, amusement attractions or fairs that don't conduct background checks of every ride operator, if they have violated that legal requirement three or more times. The law also raises the fine for violations of the background check requirement from $1,000 to $5,000 for a first offense, and from $5,000 to a maximum of $10,000 for the second offense. The third violation will now result in the permit being revoked.
House Bill 4346 requires every public higher education institution and community college to offer a Black History Course.
The import and sale of most ivory and ivory products will be illegal in Illinois thanks to House Bill 4843. Antique guns and knives that are more than 100 years old, as well as musical instruments containing ivory that were made before 1975, are exempted and the Department of Natural Resources will be allowed to set rules allowing the sale or transfer of ivory for educational or scientific purposes.
Illinois.gov
December 3 - the anniversary of Illinoisu2019 recognition as the 21st state of the union - will be designated as "Illinois Statehood Day" each year thanks to House Bill 489.
Press Herald via Getty Images
Thanks to House Bill 4231, hunters will be allowed to wear blaze pink (inset) during firearm deer season and upland game season, in addition to the fluorescent orange that was previously the only color allowed.
UIG via Getty Images, File
Every facility that houses a circuit court will be required to designate at least one public lactation room or area by June 1 under Senate Bill 3503. The room cannot be in a restroom and must include a chair, table, electrical outlet and when possible, a sink with running water.
Kevin Daly/Lenox Hill Hospital
The aptly-numbered House Bill 66 creates a 20-member Route 66 Centennial Commission to plan events throughout Illinois, commemorating and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the construction of Route 66, which began in 1926.
House Bill 4908 requires all children to have a dental examination before May 15 of their ninth grade school year, applicable to all public, private and parochial schools.
Chicago Police Department via Getty Images
Senate Bill 2378 requires all law enforcement agencies to adopt a written policy for the internal review of officer-involved shootings, which will be available for inspection under the Freedom of Information Act.
Mike Kemp/Getty Images
The Illinois secretary of state will be required to include information on the "Dutch Reach" method of opening car doors in the office's "Rules of the Road" publication. The "Dutch Reach" involves the driver checking the rear-view mirror, checking each side mirror, then turning to open the driver's side door with the right hand, to prevent hitting cyclists with the car door. Under House Bill 5143, the secretary of state will have to include questions on safe driving in the presence of bicycles as a possible question on the written portion of the driver's license exam.
Ever had to pay for something required by your work, but then never been paid back? Senate Bill 2999 aims to end that by requiring employers to reimburse employees for expenses the employer authorized or required. Employers can establish written reimbursement policies and are not liable for anything beyond whatu2019s stated in that agreed-upon policy, nor losses due to the employeeu2019s negligence.
FILE
Previously, anyone who filed a petition to change their name was required to publish a notice of the name change. But under Senate Bill 2330, survivors of domestic violence can waive that requirement in order to keep their information, including their address, private from abusers.
Getty Images
Senate Bill 3604 attempts to limit u201cgolden parachutes,u201d or large severance packages, for government workers by limiting severance pay to no more than 20 weeks of that employeeu2019s compensation. It also prohibits any severance pay if an employee has been fired for misconduct.
9th Ward – Chatham, Pullman, Riverdale, Roseland, Washington Heights
• Anthony A. Beale (incumbent)
• Cleopatra Watson
• Paul Collins
• Essie Hall
10th Ward – Hegewisch, East Side, South Deering, Jeffery Manor
• Susan Sadlowski Garza (incumbent)
• Robert “Bobby” Loncar
11th Ward – Bridgeport, Canaryville, Armour Square, Pilsen, University Village
• Patrick Daley Thompson (incumbent)
• David Mihalyfy
12th Ward – Brighton Park, McKinley Park, Little Village
• George Cardenas (incumbent)
• Pete Demay
• Martha Yerania Rangel
• Jose Rico
13th Ward – West Lawn, Clearing, West Elsdon, Garfield Ridge
• Marty Quinn (incumbent)
• David J. Krupa
14th Ward – Archer Heights, Glendale, Garfield Manor, Gage Park
• Edward M. Burke (incumbent)
• Jaime Guzman
• Tanya G. Patino
15th Ward – Brighton Park, Gage Park, Canaryville, West Englewood, Back of the Yards
• Raymond A. Lopez (incumbent)
• Joseph G. Williams
• Rafael “Rafa” Yanez
• Berto Aguayo
• Otis Davis, Jr.
16th Ward – Englewood, Gage Park, West Englewood, Chicago Lawn
• Stephanie D. Coleman
• Latasha M. Sanders
• Toni L. Foulkes (incumbent)
• Kenny C. Doss II
• Jeffrey L. Lewis
• Eddie Johnson III
17th Ward – Chicago Lawn, Marquette Park, Gresham, Auburn Gresham, West Englewood
• David H. Moore (incumbent)
• Raynetta Greenleaf
18th Ward – Ashburn, Marquette Park, Auburn Gresham
• Chuks Onyezia
• Derrick G. Curtis (incumbent)
19th Ward – Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Morgan Park, Washington Heights
• Matthew J. O’Shea (incumbent)
• David A. Dewar
20th Ward – No incumbent – Back of the Yards, Canaryville, Washington Park, Englewood
• Jeanette B. Taylor
• Nicole J. Johnson
• Maya Hodari
• Jennifer O. Maddox
• Andre Smith
• Dernard D. Newell
• Quandra V. Speights
• Kevin M. Bailey
• Anthony Driver, Jr.
NBC 5 Political Reporters Carol Marin and Mary Ann Ahern take you through the week that was in Illinois politics in today’s Take 5.
21st Ward – Auburn Gresham, Washington Heights, Gresham, Chatham, Roseland
• Howard B. Brookins, Jr. (incumbent)
• Marvin McNeil
• Patricia A. Foster
• Joseph C. Ziegler, Jr.
22nd Ward – No incumbent – South Lawndale, Little Village, Archer Heights
• Michael D. Rodriguez
• Lisette “Liz” Lopez
• Richard Juarez
• Neftalie Gonzalez
23rd Ward – Far West Side, West Elsdon, West Lawn, Garfield Ridge, Clearing
• Silvana Tabares (incumbent)
• Paulino R. Villarreal, Jr.
24th Ward – North Lawndale, Douglas Park, Little Village
• Creative Scott
• Michael Scott, Jr. (incumbent)
• Toriano A. Sanzone
• Traci “Treasure” Johnson
25th Ward – No incumbent – Lower West Side, Pilsen, Greek Town, China Town, University Village
• Hilario Dominguez
• Alexander “Alex” Acevedo
• Troy Antonio Hernandez
• Byron Sigcho-Lopez
• Aida Flores
26th Ward – Humboldt Park, Hermosa, Ukrainian Village, Logan Square
• Theresa Siaw
• Roberto Maldonado (incumbent)
• David Herrera
27th Ward – East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Near West Side, Greektown, United Center Park, Near North Side
• Walter Burnett, Jr. (incumbent)
• Cynthia D. Bednarz
28th Ward – West Garfield Park, East Garfield Park, Austin, Douglas Park, University Village
• Miguel Bautista
• Jason C. Ervin (incumbent)
• Jasmine Jackson
• Beverly Miles
29th Ward – Elmwood Park, Galewood, Austin
• Dwayne Truss
• Chris Taliaferro (incumbent)
• Zerlina A. Smith
30th Ward – Belmont Cragin, Portage Park, Irving Park
• Jessica W. Gutierrez
• Ariel E. Reboyras (incumbent)
• Edgar “Edek” Esparza
31st Ward – Hermosa, Belmont Cragin, Logan Square
• Colin Bird-Martinez
• Milagros “Milly” Santiago (incumbent)
• Felix Cardona, Jr.
32nd Ward – Uncontested – Bucktown, East Village, Goose Island, Hamlin Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Pulaski, Roscoe Village
• Scott Waguespack (incumbent)
33rd Ward – Albany Park, Avondale, Irving Park, Ravenswood Manor, North Park, North Center
• Katie Sieracki
• Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez
• Deborah L. Mell (incumbent)
34th Ward – Far South Side, West Pullman, Washington Heights, Morgan Park, Roseland
• Carrie M. Austin (incumbent)
• Preston Brown, Jr.
35th Ward – Hermosa, Logan Square, Avondale, Irving Park, Albany Park
• Amanda Yu Dieterich
• Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (incumbent)
36th Ward – Uncontested – Montclare, Portage Park, Belmont Cragin, Hermosa
• Gilbert Villegas (incumbent)
37th Ward – Austin, Humboldt Park
• Emma M. Mitts (incumbent)
• Tara Stamps
• Deondre Rutues
38th Ward – Uncontested – Portage Park, Dunning
• Nicholas Sposato (incumbent)
39th Ward – No incumbent – North Park, Jefferson Park, Albany Park
• Robert Murphy
• Samantha “Sam” Nugent
• Casey Smagala
• Joe Duplechin
NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern sits down for an exclusive interview with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
40th Ward – Lincoln Square, Edgewater, West Ridge
• Ugo Okere
• Dianne Daleiden
• Andre Vasquez
• Patrick J. O’Connor (incumbent)
• Maggie O’Keefe
41st Ward – Edison Park, Edgebrook, Norwood Park, O’Hare
• Tim Heneghan
• Anthony V. Napolitano (incumbent)
42nd Ward – Uncontested – Loop, Streeterville, Near North Side, Greektown
• Brendan Reilly (incumbent)
43rd Ward – Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Old Town
• Derek Lindblom
• Michelle Smith (incumbent)
• Leslie Fox
• Jacob Ringer
• Steven McClellan
• Rebecca Janowitz
44th Ward - Lakeview
• Tom Tunney (incumbent)
• Austin Baidas
• Elizabeth Shydlowski
45th Ward – Old Irving Park, Portage Park, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park
• Marilyn Morales
• John S. Arena (incumbent)
• James “Jim” Gardiner
• Robert A. Bank
46th Ward – Uptown, Buena Park, Lakeview
• Marianne Lalonde
• Erika Wozniak Francis
• Justin Kreindler
• James Cappleman (incumbent)
• Angela Clay
• Jon-Robert McDowell
47th Ward – No incumbent – Ravenswood, North Center
• Eileen Dordek
• Angela “Angie” Maloney
• Heather Way Kitzes
• Michael A. Negron
• Matt Martin
• Gus Katsafaros
• Thomas M. Schwartzers
• Kimball Ladien
• Jeff Jenkins
48th Ward – Edgewater, Andersonville, Uptown
• Harry Osterman (incumbent)
• David Earl Williams III
49th Ward – Rogers Park
• Joe Moore (incumbent)
• Maria Hadden
50th Ward – West Ridge, West Rogers Park
• Debra L. Silverstein (incumbent)
• Andrew D. Rowlas
• Zehra Quadri