CBS in Chicago reports that political newcomer Maria Hadden, a 1999 graduate of Westerville South High School, has unseated long-timer Joe Moore for 49th Ward alderman. Moore held the seat, which represents residents of Rogers Park, Edgewater and West Ridge, since 1991 when he replaced Robert Clarke, who was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley. Moore served as chair of the city’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate.
Hadden, originally from Columbus, founded and is the executive director of Our City Our Voice, a national nonprofit. She was previously a board member of The Participatory Budgeting Project and serves on the board of directors of the Black Youth Project. Hadden is the first openly gay black female in Chicago history to be elected alderman. Hadden said friends convinced her to run for the position. She says she is a 12-year Rogers Park resident and is worried about housing diversity and climate change. She is proud of the fact that she did not take any campaign contributions from developers. She was endorsed by David Orr, who previously held the seat, and Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, according to her campaign website.
Maria is the daughter of Emerson Elementary School clerk Norma Hadden.