Race for 43rd Ward Alderman

The 43rd ward, represented by Ald. Michele Smith, includes some of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, including Lincoln Park, Old Town and the Gold Coast. The planned 55-acre Lincoln Yards development is not technically in the ward, but it is right next door. Neighbors have been worried about the development making an already rough traffic situation even worse, and Smith has been a vocal critic of the plan. Crime has also been a hot topic in the race, after a slew of carjackings and muggings had been reported in the area.

Smith, an Emanuel ally, faces Derek Lindblom, who also held a role in the Emanuel administration before making a fortune in the health tech sector.