8th ward, Chicago

The 8th Ward is one of the 50 aldermanic wards with representation in the City Council of Chicago, Illinois.

History

The ward was created on February 16, 1847, when the number of wards in the city increased from six to nine.This expansion responded to a rapidly growing population and changing city governance needs. Initially, each ward, including the 8th, elected two aldermen to the city council. This system remained until reforms in 1923, after which wards have been represented by a single alderperson, a practice that continues today.
Over the years, the boundaries of the 8th Ward have changed multiple times due to shifts in population and political redistricting, aiming to maintain equal representation across wards. Historically, early aldermen from this ward included figures like Francis Hoffmann, who later became Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, and John Comiskey, part of a prominent local political family.
In recent decades, notable representatives have included William D. Meyering, William Cousins, Todd Stroger, and the current alderperson Michelle A. Harris, who has served since 2006. The ward has consistently reflected key political and demographic trends in Chicago’s South Side..

Past alders

The current alderperson for the 8th ward is Michelle A. Harris, who has represented the ward since 2006.

Before 1923

Before 1923, wards were represented by two aldermen.

Since 1923

Since 1923, wards have been represented by a single alderman. Elections have also been nonpartisan, though officeholders often still publicly affiliate with parties.