Alderman George Cardenas

George Cardenas is currently serving his fourth term as Alderman of the 12th Ward, which covers most of the McKinley Park neighborhood and extends into the Brighton Park and Little Village neighborhoods. 

As Alderman, George Cardenas is committed to improving the quality of life for every resident of the 12th Ward. His top priorities include improving educational opportunities for children, reducing crime, bringing real economic development and job opportunities into the 12th Ward, and providing the highest possible level of city services.

Cardenas and his family emigrated from Durango, Mexico, in search of the American dream when he was a young child. After graduating from Lane Technical High School in 1984, Cardenas joined the United States Navy to help pay for his education. After earning an honorable discharge, he earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and a master’s degree in political science from Northeastern Illinois University.

Before joining government, Cardenas accumulated over a decade of experience working for Fortune 500 companies. This background gives him valuable insight into the needs of the community and a desire to be a voice for positive change for the area.

Alderman George Cardenas, who was raised in Little Village and lived there for over 25 years, currently resides in the McKinley Park neighborhood, where he is proud to raise his two young daughters.