Chicago — At just 29 years old, Anthony Quezada is now the youngest alderman serving on Chicago’s City Council, representing the city’s 35th Ward, which includes parts of Logan Square, Avondale, Hermosa, and Irving Park.
Appointed in April 2025, Quezada succeeds former Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, and brings a deep local connection and progressive advocacy experience to the role. His priorities? Affordable housing, safer streets, better public transit, and stronger support for small businesses.
“Young people need to see themselves in government,” Quezada said in an interview with Block Club Chicago.
From Logan Square Roots To City Council
Quezada grew up in Logan Square in a working-class, immigrant family. His parents — from Mexico and Costa Rica — worked as a chef and a waitress. His first job? At a local steakhouse. He’s a proud product of CPS, having attended Goethe Elementary School and Lane Tech High School.
Before becoming alderman, Quezada served as a Cook County commissioner, where he became the first openly gay Latino elected to the Board and was also the youngest. He was also the constituent services director under Ramirez-Rosa and a well-known community organizer.
Policy Goals: Transit, Housing, and Business Recovery
Now in office, Quezada is wasting no time:
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Transit & Traffic Safety: He’s working with city officials to bring traffic studies and infrastructure upgrades — like bump-outs, improved bike lanes, and safer crosswalks — around schools and parks.
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Logan Square Library Access: Quezada plans to improve ADA access to the library’s side garden at 3030 W. Fullerton Ave.
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Local Business Support: He’s partnering with the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce for visibility events, business support days, and direct conversations with struggling businesses near construction zones.
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Affordable Housing: A long-stalled plan to bring 96 affordable apartments to the old Logan Square Blue Line terminal is being revived under his leadership.
“More people are living paycheck to paycheck … the last thing we want is necessary construction work to add to that,” he told Block Club Chicago.
A Vocal Advocate — And Unafraid To Show Up
Earlier this week, Quezada was seen standing hand-in-hand with Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez during protests over a surprise ICE detainment operation in the South Loop. According to reports, Quezada was even pushed to the ground by federal agents during the chaos.
He also supports the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance, participatory budgeting, community-led zoning, and ongoing tenant protections.
Building A Future For Young Leaders
One of Quezada’s more visionary ideas is launching a youth committee in the 35th Ward to bring students into civic life early — the same way he got involved.
“I try to let people know that I am a very experienced legislator and community leader… Being the youngest council member is an extension of representative democracy,” he said.
Do you believe younger voices bring necessary change to Chicago politics?
Have ideas for improving the 35th Ward?
Join the conversation at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and share your thoughts.
