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Jessica "Jessie" Fuentes (born 1990/1991) is an American politician from Chicago. She is the alderperson for Chicago City Council's 26th ward, having won the 2023 election to the office. The 26th ward includes parts of the Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Hermosa, West Town, and Belmont Cragin neighborhoods.

Early life and career

Fuentes grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. She attended Carl Schurz High School and later transferred to Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in Justice Studies and Latino and Latin American Studies and a Master of Education degree in Community and Teachers Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.

She worked as a program director at the youth center Café Teatro Batey Urbano and later as dean of students at her alma mater Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School and at Roberto Clemente Community Academy. Prior to her election, Fuentes was the director of policy and youth advocacy for the Puerto Rican Cultural Center.

Alderperson campaign

Fuentes ran for alderperson of the 26th ward in the 2023 election, initially against incumbent Roberto Maldonado. After collecting signatures to appear on the ballot, Maldonado decided against running, making the election an open race. Maldonado later endorsed Fuentes. Fuentes won a three-way race in the February 2023 election with over 50% of the vote, negating the need for a runoff election. In the 2023 Chicago mayoral election runoff, Fuentes endorsed eventual winner Brandon Johnson.

References

1. Armentrout, Mitchell (May 15, 2023). "Find Your Alderperson". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
2. ^ Jordan, Jane. "Jessie Fuentes". Humboldt Park Magazine. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
3. ^ Bloom, Mina (2023-03-06). "Meet Jessie Fuentes, The First Woman And Youngest Alderperson To Lead The 26th Ward". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
4. "Jessie L Fuentes". The Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
5. Bloom, Mina (2023-01-17). "With Maldonado Off The Ballot, Here's Who Could Lead Humboldt Park As The Next 26th Ward Alderperson". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
6. Novelo, Allison (2023-02-14). "Open City Council seats in 2 Northwest Side wards spark call for open minds in addressing crime". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
7. Bloom, Mina (2023-03-01). "Jessie Fuentes Wins 26th Ward Race, Replacing Longtime Ald. Roberto Maldonado". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 2023-05-16.

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