Jim Gardiner (Chicago politician)


James "Jim" Gardiner is a Chicago politician affiliated with the Democratic party who serves as the alderman for Chicago's 45th Ward.

Background and education

Gardiner was born April 17, 1976 to Irish immigrant parents, the youngest of 7 children. He graduated from Notre Dame High School, and from Saint Xavier University in 2002 with a degree in teaching. He has taken a leave of absence from the Chicago Fire Department.

Political career

In the February 2019 Chicago City Council election, Gardiner defeated incumbent John Arena, obtaining 50.9% of the vote to Arena's 36.2%. He is currently running for the 45th Ward Democratic Committeeman position.
Gardiner is a member of the Democratic party, but identified as an independent before 2019. Gardiner believes in the legalization and taxation of recreational marijuana. Gardiner is not in favor of an increase in property taxes, municipal taxes, and real estate transfer taxes. He is also not in favor of the LaSalle Street Tax. Gardiner does not believe stricter gun control laws will reduce the amount of illegal firearms. He believes educating the youth on the dangers of illegal guns will help reduce gun violence. Gardiner believes in keeping Chicago a sanctuary city, and preventing the Chicago Police Department from detaining illegal immigrants.