Gilbert Villegas

Gil Villegas
Villegas at a runoff debate, 2015
Member of the Chicago City Council
from the 36th ward
Assumed office
May 18, 2015
Preceded byNicholas Sposato (redistricted)
Personal details
Born (1970-10-26) October 26, 1970 (age 54)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationNortheastern Illinois University (BA)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Marine Corps
Unit2nd Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion
Battles/warsGulf War

Gilbert Villegas (born October 26, 1970)[1][2] is an American politician. He is a member of the Chicago City Council, serving as alderperson for the city's 36th ward. The 36th ward includes Belmont-Cragin, Galewood, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Montclare and Portage Park. [3] Prior to his election to the Chicago City Council, he served as chief of staff of the Illinois Capital Development Board.[4]

Political career

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Chicago City Council

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In 2015, Villegas was elected as the 36th ward alderman. He was reelected in 2019. He is a member of the following committees; Aviation, Committees, Rules and Ethics, Economic, Capital and Technology Development, Health and Environmental Protection, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, and Transportation and Public Way.[5] He is also a member of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus.[6]

In the runoff of the 2019 Chicago mayoral election, Villegas endorsed Lori Lightfoot.[7] During her transition, Lightfoot named Villegas to be her floor leader in the City Council as well as the economic development committee chair.[8]

2022 Congressional Election

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In November 2021, Villegas declared his candidacy for Illinois's 3rd congressional district in the 2022 election.[9] During the election he was accused of “misleading the public” in campaign mailers touting the congressional candidate's support for a massive affordable housing development near the Blue Line.[10] On June 28, 2022 he was defeated by Delia Ramirez (66% to 24%) for the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois 3rd Congressional District.[11]

References

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  1. ^ "Illinois' newest Latino congressional district brings heavy competition, divided Democratic visions". Chicago Tribune. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 2022-05-10.
  2. ^ "Endorsement: Gilbert Villegas". New Politics. Retrieved 2022-05-10.
  3. ^ "Ward Maps" (PDF). Chicago Board of Elections. 2012-09-21. Retrieved 2016-03-14.
  4. ^ "Gilbert Villegas Jr appointed by IL Gov. Quinn to Chief of Staff for IL Capital Development Board". Hispanic Professional Network. 2011-04-07. Retrieved 2016-03-14.
  5. ^ "Legistar Profile – Gilbert Villegas". City Clerk of Chicago. 2016-03-14. Retrieved 2016-03-14.
  6. ^ Bertagnoli, Lisa (2015-11-06). "The Latino Caucus Foundation's first gala". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 2016-03-14.
  7. ^ "Blacks grow divided in mayoral race". Chicago Crusader. March 21, 2019. Archived from the original on March 24, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  8. ^ Spielman, Fran (17 May 2019). "Lightfoot shakes up the City Council". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  9. ^ Sweet, Lynn (2021-11-09). "Ald. Gilbert Villegas launches congressional bid in new heavily Hispanic district in Illinois". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
  10. ^ Bloom, Mina (2022-05-12). "Logan Square Leaders Blast Ald. Villegas For 'Misleading' Campaign Mailers — But Villegas Says Outcry Is A 'Political Stunt'". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 2022-09-28.
  11. ^ "State Rep. Delia Ramirez defeats Ald. Gil Villegas in newly drawn Illinois 3rd District". Chicago Sun-Times. 2022-06-29. Retrieved 2022-09-28.
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