Anabel Abarca announces her candidacy for 12th Ward Chicago Alderwoman, stating “today, I announce my candidacy for Alderwoman of the 12th ward, to build a better Chicago and to serve the neighborhoods of McKinley Park and Brighton Park. I know the hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and diligence required to be a public servant. I have begun circulating a petition for my candidacy and I would be honored if the people of 12th ward would elect me as their Alderwoman.” Abarca served as Chief of Staff to Alderman George Cardenas in addition to staffing the Committee on Health and Environmental Protection and the Chicago Latino Caucus during Cardenas’ chairmanship. As Chief of Staff, Abarca oversaw business development projects, the infrastructure ward menu, and constituent services. Abarca focused on using technology to better serve the residents and implemented good governance best practices. She helped push projects over the finish line including La Villita Park, the Archer/Pershing shopping complex, and the redevelopment of the closed Dominick’s that is now a bustling Mariano’s.

“The families in Brighton Park and McKinley Park remind me of my own: hard working abuelos y abuelas taking care of grandchildren, mom and dad’s working night shifts to provide, and first-generation kids being translators for their families. Like many of the residents, my parents sent me to Chicago Public Schools. Also like many of the residents, I took out student loans and had to work while going to school full-time. I currently live in McKinley, and I have been a resident of McKinley Park for eight years,” said Abarca. Alderman George Cardenas offers his unequivocal endorsement of Anabel Abarca, stating: “Anabel has been a voice and leader in the ward for the past ten years. I am confident that Anabel has the leadership skills, government experience, and vision to succeed me as alderwoman of the 12th ward. Anabel will be a strong advocate for public safety, equitable development and infrastructure, and a leader in environmental justice issues.”  Abarca is an Illinois licensed attorney and an associate attorney at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.