Gilbert Villegas
Gilbert Villegas is an American politician. He is a member of the Chicago City Council, serving as alderperson for the city's 36th ward. The 36th ward includes Belmont-Cragin, Galewood, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Montclare and Portage Park.
Prior to his election to the Chicago City Council, he served as chief of staff of the Illinois Capital Development Board.
Political career
Chicago City Council
In 2015, Villegas was elected as the 36th ward alderman. He was reelected in 2019 and 2023. He is a member of the following committees; Aviation, Committees, Rules and Ethics, Economic, Capital and Technology Development, Health and Environmental Protection, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, and Transportation and Public Way. He is also a member of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus.Villegas has served on the boards of the Democratic Municipal Officials. the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, and the National League of Cities. He was the Vice Chair of the National League of Cities 2021 Large Cities Council.
In the runoff of the 2019 Chicago mayoral election, Villegas endorsed Lori Lightfoot. During her transition, Lightfoot named Villegas to be her floor leader in the City Council as well as the economic development committee chair.