Jessica "Jessie" Fuentes (born 1990/1991)[1] is an American politician from Chicago. She is the alderperson for Chicago City Council's 26th ward, having won the 2023 election to the office. The 26th ward includes parts of the Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Hermosa, West Town, and Belmont Cragin neighborhoods.[2]
Jessie Fuentes | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Chicago City Council from the 26th ward | |
| Assumed office May 15, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Roberto Maldonado |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1990 or 1991 (age 33–34) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Northeastern Illinois University (BA, MEd) |
Early life and career
Fuentes grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. She attended Carl Schurz High School and later transferred to Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School.[3] She earned a bachelor's degree in Justice Studies and Latino and Latin American Studies and a Master of Education degree in Community and Teachers Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.[4]
She worked as a program director at the youth center Café Teatro Batey Urbano and later as dean of students at her alma mater Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School and at Roberto Clemente Community Academy.[5] Prior to her election, Fuentes was the director of policy and youth advocacy for the Puerto Rican Cultural Center.
Alderperson campaign
Fuentes ran for alderperson of the 26th ward in the 2023 election, initially against incumbent Roberto Maldonado. After collecting signatures to appear on the ballot, Maldonado decided against running, making the election an open race.[3] Maldonado later endorsed Fuentes.[6] Fuentes won a three-way race in the February 2023 election with over 50% of the vote, negating the need for a runoff election.[7] In the 2023 Chicago mayoral election runoff, Fuentes endorsed eventual winner Brandon Johnson.[2]