Anabel Abarca Explained

Anabel Abarca
Office:Member of the Chicago City Council
from the 12th ward
Appointer:Lori Lightfoot
Term Start:December 14, 2022
Term End:May 15, 2023
Predecessor:George Cardenas
Successor:Julia Ramirez
Party:Democratic
Education:DePaul University (BA)
Arizona State University, Tempe (MPA)
Loyola University Chicago (JD)

Anabel Abarca is an American politician, who served in the Chicago City Council as alderperson for the 12th ward from 2022 to 2023. She was appointed to the position by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and confirmed by the City Council in December 2022, following the retirement of George Cardenas.[1] [2] [3] She ran for re-election to a full term, but lost to Julia Ramirez. The 12th ward is on Chicago's southwest side, and includes portions of Brighton Park, McKinley Park, and Little Village.

Early life and education

Abarca is a native of the Northwest Side of Chicago, and is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She graduated from Taft High School in Norwood Park, and subsequently earned a bachelor's degree from DePaul University, a Master of Public Administration degree from Arizona State University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Early legal and political career

Abarca worked on Tammy Duckworth's congressional campaign in 2011, and served as an aide to U.S. Representative Mike Quigley. She later served on the boards of several non-profit organizations. From 2012 to 2016, she served as chief of staff for 12th ward alderman George Cardenas.

Chicago City Council

In June 2022, Cardenas announced his intention to resign later in the year after winning a primary for a seat on the Cook County Board of Review.[4] Abarca was one of four people who applied to fill the position for the remainder of the term, and was selected for appointment by Mayor Lori Lightfoot on December 12, 2022. The City Council approved her appointment in a 44–0 vote on December 14. She named public safety and city services as her top priorities upon taking office. Abarca was a candidate for a full term in the 2023 election and was endorsed by Cardenas, but lost to challenger Julia Ramirez.[5]

Personal life

Abaraca has lived in the McKinley Park neighborhood of Chicago since 2015.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Savedra . Madison . 2022-12-14 . Ald. Anabel Abarca Sworn In To Lead Southwest Side's 12th Ward . 2022-12-19 . Block Club Chicago . 2022-12-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221219174246/https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/12/14/ald-anabel-abarca-sworn-in-to-lead-southwest-sides-12th-ward/ . live .
  2. Web site: Savedra . Madison . 2022-12-12 . Anabel Abarca Picked To Lead 12th Ward After Cardenas Resigns . 2022-12-19 . Block Club Chicago . 2022-12-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221219172339/https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/12/12/anabel-abarca-picked-to-lead-12th-ward-after-cardenas-resigns/ . live .
  3. Web site: Spielman . Fran . 2022-12-12 . Lightfoot appoints Cardenas' former chief of staff to replace him as 12th Ward alderperson . 2022-12-19 . Chicago Sun-Times . en . 2022-12-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221219174243/https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2022/12/12/23505923/anabel-abarca-replaces-george-cardenas-12th-ward-alderperson . live .
  4. Web site: Savedra . Madison . 2022-06-29 . Ald. George Cardenas Wins Cook County Board Of Review Seat, Will Leave City Council By The End Of The Year . 2022-12-19 . Block Club Chicago . en . 2022-12-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221205181918/https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/06/29/ald-george-cardenas-wins-cook-county-board-seat-will-leave-city-council-by-the-end-of-the-year/ . live .
  5. Web site: Savedra . Madison . 2023-02-28 . 12th Ward Challenger Julia Ramirez Unseats Newly Appointed Ald. Anabel Abarca . 2023-03-03 . Block Club Chicago . en . 2023-03-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230304022313/https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/02/28/12th-ward-challenger-julia-ramirez-poised-to-unseat-ald-anabel-abarca/ . live .