Gilbert Villegas

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]

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
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

Political career

Chicago City Council

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
Main article: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Illinois § District 3

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
  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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