Andre Vasquez Runs Unopposed for 40th Ward Seat
The incumbent alderperson secures a path to a third term after no other candidates filed for the upcoming municipal election.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections
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Andre Vasquez is set to serve a third term as Chicago's 40th Ward alderperson after filing unopposed for the upcoming municipal race. The filing deadline for candidates passed on Monday, leaving no challengers on the ballot for the February election.
Why it matters
The lack of opposition marks a significant consolidation of support for Vasquez, who first broke the 36-year tenure of predecessor Pat O'Connor in 2019. This path to re-election follows his 2023 victory where he secured over 75 percent of the vote.
Official filings confirm only one candidate reached the ballot by the Monday deadline. This follows Vasquez's 2023 re-election success, which saw him capture more than 75 percent of the vote.
The players
Andre Vasquez
He is the current 40th Ward alderperson seeking his third term in the Chicago City Council.
Pat O'Connor
He previously held the 40th Ward seat for 36 years until being unseated in 2019.
The details
Vasquez represents a district spanning neighborhoods including Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Ravenswood, Rogers Park, Budlong Woods, and North Park. During his time in office, he successfully pushed for ordinances increasing bike lane obstruction fines from $150 to $250 and authorizing the towing of vehicles blocking these lanes.
Timeline
2019: Vasquez was first elected to the 40th Ward seat.
2023: Vasquez was elected to his second term.
Monday: The official deadline to file petitions for the ballot passed.
Feb. 23: Municipal elections will be held across Chicago.
Political Context
Vasquez's term has been defined by proactive urban transit policy, specifically the overhaul of Chicago's bike lane obstruction fine ordinance. Opponents have historically scrutinized these enforcement measures, citing the impact on local commerce and parking access for residents.
Residents of the 40th Ward will see no change in representation following the February election, as the incumbent will retain his seat. Voters should note that local ordinances, such as the increased $250 fine for blocking bike lanes, remain in effect and subject to city enforcement.
The takeaway
The lack of a challenger simplifies the upcoming municipal ballot for voters in the 40th Ward. Residents can now shift their focus toward upcoming city-wide races and broader legislative priorities within the Chicago City Council.
Further reading
Find more local coverage on the Chicago Elections page.
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