Burke Re-Elected To 13th Term As 14th Ward Alderman

CHICAGO, IL -- Embattled Ald. Ed Burke was reelected to his 13th term on the Chicago City Council, handily beating two challengers in the Chicago municipal election. Despite the speculation of whether federal extortion charges would hurt his chances for reelection, Burke garnered 3,592 votes, winning 56 percent of the ward's votes. The Chuy Garcia endorsed-candidate Tanya Patino, came in second with 1,928 votes or 29.31 percent; Jaime Guzman came in a distant third with 1,058 votes (16.08 percent). All vote tallies are unofficial.

Chicago’s longest-serving alderman was thought be in fight for his political life tonight amid a record-low voter turnout in the Chicago municipal election. Burke is looking at federal attempted extortion charges for allegedly trying to shake down the owners of a Burger King over a driveway permit. The federal charges forced Burke to resign as the Chicago City Council’s long-time chair of the powerful Finance Committee.

A combination of the federal charges hanging over the 75-year-old Burke as well as the shifting demographics of the predominantly Hispanic 14th Ward, which comprise the city’s southwest side neighborhoods of Gage Park, Archer Heights and West Elsdon, proved not to be the pin-striped wearing alderman’s undoing.

Burke’s brother Dan was defeated in the March 2018 primary after 28 years of serving in the Illinois House by challenger Patina’s boyfriend, school teacher counselor Aaron Ortiz in the 1st District.

Edward Burke - 3,592 54.61%

Jaime Guzman - 1,058 16.08%

Tanya Patino - 1,928 29.31%

24 out of 31 precincts reporting

Results from Chicago Board of Elections